Seating, Mobility and Exercise for Wheelchair Users
Dr. Tucker oversees OT Clinical Services’ Seating, Mobility and Assistive Technology program. The program focuses on the customization of wheelchairs and seating systems to the individual client. Throughout the process, Dr. Tucker looks at body size, range of motion, strength, mobility needs, home environment, client occupations and the places clients go every day so that she can collaborate with the client to find the best choice and fit for the client’s lifestyle. She also provides recommendations to clients on how to best leverage assistive technology in their daily routines. Dr. Tucker is also involved in research with Dr. Kerri Morgan, conducting cardiorespiratory fitness assessments as part of a R01 funded grant studying physical activity for wheelchair users.
General Description of Student Activities
Students who select Dr. Tucker as their mentor will have the opportunity to work with assistive technology (including, but not limited to, wheelchairs and seating system equipment), a pressure mapping system and adapted exercise equipment. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in clinical appointments, track outcomes, and interact with research participants completing cardiorespiratory fitness assessments and exercise sessions. Students will need to have transportation to the Stephen A. Orthwein Center at Paraquad at 5200 Berthold Ave., where the seating and mobility clinic and research lab are located.
Examples of Projects
- Scoping reviews related to physical activity/exercise for wheelchair users and occupational therapy role
- Preliminary data analysis and/or case series/case study related to Intensity-Controlled Physical Activity Training and/or Education and Access groups within R01 Wheelchair user physical Activity Training intervention to enhance Cardiometabolic Health (WATCH): A community-based randomized control trial