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Objective

The aim of the study was to examine the circumstances surrounding the worst fall experienced by full-time manual wheelchair users in the past 12 mos, the recovery process, and influence on community participation.

Design

A mixed-method research study was conducted. Semistructured interviews were conducted to understand the circumstances of the worst fall experienced and the recovery process. A quantitative fear of falling assessment and the community participation indicators were used to further evaluate the influence of the fall.

Results

There were 20 manual wheelchair users (mean±SD, 47±13 yrs, 55% male). Falls most commonly occurred outside during wheelchair propulsion. Falls were attributed to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Seventy percent of participants reported a fear of falling and 80% required assistance to recovery. No significant correlations were found between fall frequency …