Wheelchair outcome measurement instruments for children: a scoping review.

This scoping review aimed to explore and map wheelchair outcome measurement instruments for children in the literature. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The review focused on children (≤18 years) manual or motorised wheelchair users, and included primary sources of literature on wheelchair outcome measurement instruments. A search was conducted in nine electronic databases, including grey literature. Data on general characteristics, psychometric properties (validity, reliability, responsiveness) were extracted and analysed descriptively. A total of 27 studies and 33 instruments were included, mostly focused on manual wheelchair users (n=23). Performance-based outcomes instruments were the most common (n=15). Construct validity (n=19) and test-retest (n=19) were the most assessed psychometric property. Responsiveness (n=3) and intra-rater (n=3) were the least reported. The most frequently conducted statistical analyses were: minimal detectable difference (MDD) (n=12), standard error of measurement (SEM) (n = 12), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (n=16) and Pearson correlation (n=9). The most common construct was propulsion perfomance in a manual wheelchair (n=6). Wheelchair outcome measurement instruments for children mainly assess manual wheelchairs, emphasising propulsion perfomance as the primary outcome. Responsiveness and intra-rater are underreported, highlighting a gap for future research. Standardised methodologies and detailed reporting, including sample size specifications, are essential for advancing research and clinical practice.