Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
Winter pilot design
A winter pilot involved 13 male powered-wheelchair users with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aged 15 to 43. Participants received an electric hand warmer fitted over the driving hand and joystick, warming the hand for one hour. Assessments took place before and after use, so the record does not establish longer-term outcomes.
Reported performance changes
Researchers assessed endurance, manoeuvrability, powered-wheelchair skills, confidence in wheelchair use, and assistive-technology satisfaction. Endurance improved significantly, with r=0.63 and p=0.02, while wheelchair-use self-efficacy also improved significantly, with r=0.74 and p=0.008. Manoeuvrability and driving skills had moderate effect sizes but were not statistically significant.
Satisfaction and design limitations
Participants rated overall satisfaction at 3.22 out of 5. Ease of use received the highest rating, while device dimensions received the lowest. The study summary identifies size and stability modifications as necessary before widespread implementation. These findings concern a small pilot in cold weather and should not be treated as a treatment recommendation or evidence of long-term benefit.
