Determination of ADL constraints and workspace dimensions for paraplegic patients in Kozhikode

A bstract-Paraplegia is a special case of disability where the lower extremitiesare paralyzed. Paraplegic people have constraints on daily activities and often depend on others. It is important to shape their living environments considering their physical disability. Thus, it is essential to consider the problems of paraplegic people in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). For the design of paraplegic-friendly homes and workspaces it is necessary to determine the workspace dimensions of paraplegic patients. This requires the use of an anthropometric database for paraplegic patients, on which there is a lack of research in India. This study focuses on determining the ADL constraints and workspace dimensions of paraplegic patients in Kozhikode. An open-ended type semi-structured survey was conducted among nineteen paraplegic patients in Kozhikode, Kerala. The survey results showed that paraplegic patients have difficulty in staying in one body position for a long time and in performing household tasks. The lack of assistive devices in public transportation prohibited paraplegic patients from using them. The body part most affected in paraplegic patients in performing strenuous tasks was the back, followed by the shoulders. Eighteen anthropometric parameters were taken in the seated posture for the paraplegic patients. Statistical analysis was performed and the 5th, 50th and 95th percentile anthropometric parameters are presented for male and females. Based on the anthropometric parameters, the workspace available for paraplegic patients is determined graphically by using Das and Grady's concept modified by Nowak. The limitations of this study along with future research areas is also stated.