Wheels Project

Millions of people with disabilities in developing countries across the globe are in need of wheelchairs. However, a wheelchair simply isn't effective if it does not work for a person. Enter the LETU Wheels team— LeTourneau students researching wheelchair function for people with disabilities in low income settings. Our goal at Wheels is to improve the lives of people with disabilities by providing feedback to wheelchair manufacturers specializing in low resource settings. We do this through field studies in Kenya as well as studies here on campus.

It's a win/win situation. Manufacturers send wheelchairs to Kenya so they can get feedback through our field studies, and people in Kenya who need wheelchairs receive them. LeTourneau students make a global difference with their research as well as have a life-changing international experience.

We partner with Bethany Kids Relief and Rehabilitation International in Kenya which provides rehabilitation to the children at Joy Town Special Primary School for the Disabled in the town of Thika. We've been privileged to work with and give feedback to some of the key providers of wheelchairs around the world including: Motivation, Whirlwind, Hope Haven International, Free Wheelchair Mission, ROC wheelchairs, and Joni and Friends.

Journal Articles:

Bane, H. M., Sheafer, V., & Rispin, K. (2020). Preliminary test-retest reliability of the Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1800115

Heather McFadden Bane, Vicki Sheafer & Karen Rispin (2019). Face and content validity for the Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1684579

Davis, A.B., Sheafer, V., Rispin, K., & Layton, N. (2019). The inter-rater reliability of the Wheelchair Interface Questionnaire. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, doi: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1646816

Rispin, K., Davis, A.B., Sheafer, V.L., & Wee, J. (2019). Development of the Wheelchair Interface Questionnaire and initial face and content validity. African Journal of Disability, 8(0), a520. doi.org/ 10.4102/ajod.v8i0.520

Rispin, K., Huff, K., Wee J., (2017) Test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Aspects of Wheelchair Mobility Test as a measure of the mobility of wheelchair users, African Journal of Disability; Vol 6 (2017), 6 pages. doi: 10.4102/ajod.v6i0.331

Rispin, K., Hamm, E., Wee, J., Discriminatory validity of the Aspects of Wheelchair Mobility Test as demonstrated by a comparison of four wheelchair types designed for use in low-resource areas, African Journal of Disability; Vol 6 (2017), 11 pages. doi: 10.4102/ajod.v6i0.332

Rispin, K., DiFrancesco, J., Raymond, L., Riseling, K., Wee, J., Preliminary inter-rater reliability of the wheelchair components questionnaire for condition, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology; Published online: 07 Jul 2017, 6 pages, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2017.134615

Rispin, K., Dittmer, M., McLean, J., Wee, J. (2017). Preliminary Reliability and Internal Consistency of the Wheelchair Components Questionnaire for Condition, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2016.1277793.

Rispin, K., Riseling, K., Wee, J. (2017). A Longitudinal Study Assessing the Maintenance Condition of Cadres of Four Types of Wheelchairs Provided in Low-Resource Areas. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1-11. DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2017.1299805.

Funk, L., Thiessen, D., Wright, V., Andrysek, J., Rispin, K. (2016). Reliability and Validity of the Lower Limb Function Questionnaire When Completed by Young Adult Orthotic and Prosthetic Device Users, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology (0) 1-11.

Sasaki, K., Rispin, K. (2016). Assessment of Physiological Performance and Perception of Pushing Different Wheelchairs on Indoor Modular Units Simulating a Surface Roughness Often Encountered in Under-Resourced Settings. Assistive Technology.

Rispin, K., Wee, J. (2015). Comparison Between Performances of Three Types of Manual Wheelchairs Often Distributed in Low-Resource Settings. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology(0), 1-7.

Rispin, K., Wee, J. (2013). A Paired Outcomes Study Comparing Two Pediatric Wheelchairs for Low Resource Settings; the Regency Pediatric Wheelchair and a Similarly Sized Wheelchair Made in Kenya. Assistive Technology 2013;26(2):88-95.

Conference Papers and Presentations:

Layton, N., Rispin, K., & Sheafer, V. (28 August 2019). Continuous Outcome Scaling: A Discriminative Method for Person-Centered Assistive Technology Outcomes Studies. Technology and Disability Special Issue: AAATE 2019 Conference Global Challenge in Assistive Technology: Research, Policy & Practice, 31(Supplement 1), S169-170. 

Bane, H. M., Sheafer, V., & Rispin, K. (2019). Reliability of the Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire. Presented at the Southwestern Psychological Association Conference. Albuquerque, NM. April 5, 2019.

Bane, H. M., Sheafer, V., & Rispin, K. (2019). Reliability of the Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire. Presented at the 39th Annual International Seating Symposium. Pittsburgh, PA. March 21, 2019.

Davis, A. B., Rispin, K., & Sheafer, V. (2019). Interrater reliability of the Wheelchair Interface Questionnaire. Presented at the 39th Annual International Seating Symposium. Pittsburgh, PA. March 21, 2019.

Rispin, K., Hamm, E. (2016). Discriminatory Validity of the Aspects of Wheelchair Mobility Protocol. European Seating Symposium, Dublin, Ireland, June 13-15.

Sasaki, K., Rispin, K. (2016). Evaluation of Wheelchair Pushing Performance on Simulated Rough Pathways in Under-Resourced Settings Created with Indoor Modular Units. RESNA/NCART 2016 Conference. Arlington, VA.

Rispin, K., Dittmer, M., McLean, J., Wee, J. (2016). Reliability and Sensitivity of the Wheelchair Components Questionnaire for Condition. 32nd Annual International Seating Symposium. Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Rispin, K., Tutt, E., Sosa-Saenz, S. (2016). Reliability and Discriminatory Ability of the Wheelchair Components Questionnaire for Users. RESNA/NCART 2016 Conference. Arlington, VA.

McCasland A., Trogdon D., Rispin, K. (2015). The Effect of Out-of-Round Wheels versus True Round Wheels on Energy Costs of Pushing a Wheelchair. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol 2: Iss 7.

Hamm, E., Jonah, B., Rispin, K. (2015). Comparative Study on the Energy Cost of Pushing The Hope Haven KidChair and Free Wheelchair Mission Gen 2 Wheelchair. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol 2: Iss 7.

Rispin, K., Wee, J. (2015). Comparison Between Performances of Three Types of Manual Wheelchairs Often Distributed in Low-Resource Settings. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology (0), 1-7.

Rispin, K., Dittmer, M. (2015). Ease of Pushing Two Wheelchairs Designed for Low-Resource Settings. 31st International Seating Symposium. Nashville, TN, USA.

McCasland, A., Trogdon, D., Rispin, K. (2015). The Effect of Out-of-Round Wheels versus True Round Wheels on Energy Costs of Pushing a Wheelchair. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol 2: Iss 7

Hamm, E., Jonah, B., Rispin, K. (2015). Comparative Study on the Energy Cost of Pushing the Hope Haven KidChair and Free Wheelchair Mission Gen 2 Wheelchair. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol 2: Iss 7.

Andrysek, J., Wright, V., Rispin, K. (2015). Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of the Lower Limb Function Questionnaire (LLFQ). International Society for Prosthetics Orthotics World Congress. Lyon, France.

Wee, J., Rispin, K. (2015). Piloting the Wheelchair Components Questionnaire for triangulation purposes. Canadian Association of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Vancouver, BC, Canada

Funk, L., Thiessen, D., Wright, V., Andrysek, J., Rispin, K. (2015). Preliminary Construct Validation of the Lower Limb Function Questionnaire. Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, Annual Conference. Denver, CO.

Reese, N., Rispin, K. (2015). Assessing Wheelchair Breakdowns in Kenya to Inform Wheelchair Test standards for Low-Resource Settings. Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. Denver, CO.

Sturm, M., VanLeer, J., Lowe, N., Rispin, K. (2013). Preliminary Data Regarding how Wheelchair Axle Position Effects the Energy Cost of Assistants Pushing Wheelchairs Designed for Low-Resource Settings. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 5.

Leman, N., Lowe, N., McDonne,l A., Rispin, K. (2013). Cost of Rolling on Rough and Smooth Ground for Assistants Pushing the Motivation Rough Terrain and Whirlwind RoughRider Wheelchairs. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 5.

McDonnel, A., Leman, N., Tutt, E., Rispin, K. (2013.) Using Curb and Figure-Eight Skills Tests to Compare Maneuverability of the user assistant team in the Motivation Rough Terrain Wheelchair and the Whirlwind RoughRider Wheelchair. Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 5.

Rispin, K., Goodwin, S., Wesley, C., Wee, J. (2013). Preliminary Development and Validation of the Wheelchair Parts Questionnaire for Use to Assess the Condition of Individual Wheelchairs and the Design of Types of Wheelchairs. Proceedings for the RESNA 2013 Annual Conference, Bellevue, WA, June 20-24, 2013.

Rispin, K., Huff, K., Parra, V., Wesley, C., Wee, J. (2013). An Overview of a Group of Studies Done in Kenya Comparing Two Types of Pediatric Wheelchairs with 14 Inch Wide Seats. Proceedings for the RESNA 2013 Annual Conference, Bellevue, WA, June 20-24, 2013.

Rispin K., Schein R., Wee, J. (2013). A Modification of the Functional Mobility Assessment for use with School Children in Kenya. Proceedings for the 29th International Seating Symposium, Nashville, TN, March 7-9 2013.

Sturm, M., VanLeer, J., Lowe, N., Rispin, K. (2013). Preliminary Data Regarding how Wheelchair Axle Position Effects the Energy Cost of Assistants Pushing Wheelchairs Designed for Low-Resource Settings. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 5.

Leman, N., Lowe, N., McDonnel, A., Rispin, K. (2013). Cost of Rolling on Rough and Smooth Ground for Assistants Pushing the Motivation Rough Terrain and Whirlwind RoughRider Wheelchairs. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 5.

McDonnel, A., Tutt, E., Leman, N., Rispin, K. (2013). Using Curb and Figure-Eight Skills Tests to Compare Maneuverability of the user assistant team in the Motivation Rough Terrain Wheelchair and the Whirlwind RoughRider Wheelchair. Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 5.

Goodwin, S.R., Inwards, R., Rispin, K. (2012). A Comparative Study of the Energy Cost and Maneuverability for Pushers of Hope Haven and APDK Pediatric Wheelchairs Designed for Use in Low Income Countries. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 4.

Ott, A., Rispin, K. (2012). Comparing Energy Cost and Maneuverability for Pushers of Regency and APDK Pediatric Wheelchairs Designed for Low-Income Countries. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 4.

VanLeer, J., Green, M., Rispin, K. (2012). Using a Lego© NXT Robotic Vehicle as a Constant Speed Device in Replacement of a Wheelchair Treadmill for use in Determining Physical Cost Index of Pushing a Wheelchair. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 4.

Rispin, K., Geyman, T., Nemati, S., Wee J. (2012). A Long Term Paired Outcomes Study of Regency and APDK Pediatric Wheelchairs Designed for Less-Resourced Settings. International Seating Symposium. Vancouver, Canada.

Rispin, K. (2012). Clinically Related Global Service Undergraduate Research Involving Assistive Devices in Less-Resourced Settings Facilitates Competency-Based Learning. Annual Meeting of the Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. El Paso, TX.

Rispin, K., Nemati, S., Geyman, T., Wee, J., (2012). A Short-term Paired Outcomes Study of Maneuverability and Energy Cost of Rolling of Two Pediatric Wheelchairs Designed for Less-resourced Settings. Proceedings for the 29th International Seating Symposium p 296, Vancouver, Canada March 7-9 2012.

VanLeer, J., Rispin, K., Harris, D., Dueck, M., Green, M. (2012). Using a Lego© NXT Robotic Vehicle as a Constant Speed Device in Replacement of a Wheelchair Treadmill for use in Determining Physical Cost Index of Pushing a Wheelchair, International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 4, Article 49.

Goodwin, S., Inwards, R., Rispin, K. (2012). A Comparative Study of the Energy Cost and Maneuverability for Pushers of Two Pediatric Wheelchairs Designed for Use in Low Income Countries. International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 4, Article 14.

Huff, K., Parra, V., Rispin, K. (2012). A Comparative Study of Two Pediatric Wheelchairs Based on Therapists' Feedback," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 4, Article 50.

Ott, A., Rispin, K. (2012). Comparing Energy Cost and Maneuverability for Pushers of Two Pediatric Wheelchairs Designed for Low-income Countries, International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 4, Article 57

Brady, J., Leman, N., Rispin, K. (2012). Gait Evaluation of Young Adults Wearing a Bledsoe-Extender-Plus© Knee Brace at Two Different Degrees of Flexion, International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions: Vol. 2: Iss. 4, Article 15.

Rispin, K. (2012). Clinically Related Global Service Undergraduate Research Involving Assistive Devices in Less Resourced Settings Facilitates Competency Based Learning. Annual Meeting of the Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. San Antonio, TX. February 2012.

Rispin, K., Schlung, J., Gonzalez, R., Ayers, S. (2011). Preliminary Validation of the LEGS Functional Parameters Questionnaire. RESNA 2011.

Rispin, K., Husk, C., Lew, S., Schufeldt, T., Ayers, S., Gonzalez, R. (2010). Functional Comparison of the LEGS M1 Knee to Commonly Available Developing World Alternatives. Conference Proceedings, 13th World Congress of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Leipzig, Germany.

Leatherwood, K., Rispin, K., Gonzalez, R. (2009). Collection of Comparative Data for Amputee Energy Cost and Subjective Input on Functional Parameters for Validation of the LEGS M1 Knee Design, in 26th Annual Houston Conference on Biomedical Engineering Research: Houston, Texas.

Gonzalez, R.V., and Rispin, K.L. (2007). International Engineering Education; A Case Study of Working in Low Income Nations. Conference Proceedings, Accrediting Board for Engineering and Engineering Technology, Incline Village, Nevada.