Wheelchair service providers’ opinions about the usefulness of a new rear anti-tip device for manual wheelchairs: a mixed-methods study

Purpose: Our primary objective was to obtain the opinions of wheelchair service providers about the potential usefulness of a new rear anti-tip device (the Arc-RAD) that self-deploys through an arc. Materials and methods: In this mixed-methods study, Occupational Therapists in three survey groups were shown video-recordings of the Arc-RAD in use. For each of 20 potential uses of the Arc-RAD, participants provided a score (1–5, from “extremely not useful” to “extremely useful”). The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and descriptively summarised. Results: The median values provided by the 17 participants were at least 4.0 for 19 (95%) of the potential uses except “can move straight sideways.” At least three-quarters of participants provided scores that were 4 (“somewhat useful”) or 5 (“extremely useful”) for 16 (80%) of the potential uses (specifically “backing up to wall,” “clearing objects between wheels,” “getting over an obstacle forward,” “getting over an obstacle backward,” “getting up a small curb,” “getting down a small curb,” “getting up a high curb,” “getting down a high curb,” “getting onto an incline,” “aided-wheelie pressure relief,” “aided-wheelie hands-free,” “aided-wheelie forward or backward,” “aided-wheelie turns,” “aided-wheelie down incline,” “aided-wheelie down high curb” and “storable under seat”). Comments on the Arc-RAD were about benefits, limitations and unanswered questions. Conclusions: Wheelchair service providers are positive about most of the potential uses of the Arc-RAD. The quantitative and qualitative study results will guide further research and development. The Arc-RAD design appears to hold the promise of enhancing participation without compromising safety.The Arc-RAD was the winner of the 2026 RESNA AT IMPACT Award.