Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-05-15DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2353280
Gaya Bin Noon, Larissa Ugaya Mazza, Gillian Morgan, Stephanie Singh, Dragica Jeremic Nikolic, Plinio Pelegrini Morita
Purpose: Self-service interactive devices allow users to access information or services without directly interacting with service personnel. As the prevalence of disability increases, it is important to consider the barriers individuals face in using these devices and explore opportunities to increase accessibility through assistive and adaptive technologies. This study aimed to establish recommendations to enhance the accessibility of self-service interactive devices, with the objective of understanding users' experiences with these devices.
Materials and methods: Nineteen semi-structured interviews were held with stakeholders focusing on accessible design for people with disabilities, categorized as (a) persons with lived experiences with disability, (b) disability advocates, or (c) assistive technology industry experts. The study used content analysis to identify recurring concepts and opportunities to improve accessibility. Participants discussed the potential benefits of updating or incorporating additional accessibility technologies into self-service devices and proposed solutions to existing deficiencies.
Results: Common concerns expressed among participants included the privacy and security of self-service devices, protection of personal information, and the consistency and usability of devices. Participants also suggested how this inconsistency could be mitigated and how to improve existing accessibility functionalities. Accessible functionalities in self-service devices have the potential to help address the unmet needs of Canadians with disabilities.
Conclusions: With the breadth of available accessible and adaptive technologies, the study concludes that it is imperative to understand (1) what technologies are useful to people with disabilities, (2) whether the inclusion of these technologies is feasible in self-service devices, and (3) how user experience can be improved.
{"title":"Concerns regarding the accessibility of self-service interactive devices for people with disabilities.","authors":"Gaya Bin Noon, Larissa Ugaya Mazza, Gillian Morgan, Stephanie Singh, Dragica Jeremic Nikolic, Plinio Pelegrini Morita","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2353280","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2353280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Self-service interactive devices allow users to access information or services without directly interacting with service personnel. As the prevalence of disability increases, it is important to consider the barriers individuals face in using these devices and explore opportunities to increase accessibility through assistive and adaptive technologies. This study aimed to establish recommendations to enhance the accessibility of self-service interactive devices, with the objective of understanding users' experiences with these devices.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Nineteen semi-structured interviews were held with stakeholders focusing on accessible design for people with disabilities, categorized as (a) persons with lived experiences with disability, (b) disability advocates, or (c) assistive technology industry experts. The study used content analysis to identify recurring concepts and opportunities to improve accessibility. Participants discussed the potential benefits of updating or incorporating additional accessibility technologies into self-service devices and proposed solutions to existing deficiencies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Common concerns expressed among participants included the privacy and security of self-service devices, protection of personal information, and the consistency and usability of devices. Participants also suggested how this inconsistency could be mitigated and how to improve existing accessibility functionalities. Accessible functionalities in self-service devices have the potential to help address the unmet needs of Canadians with disabilities.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>With the breadth of available accessible and adaptive technologies, the study concludes that it is imperative to understand (1) what technologies are useful to people with disabilities, (2) whether the inclusion of these technologies is feasible in self-service devices, and (3) how user experience can be improved.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"97-106"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140923272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-07-01DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2362248
Alemu Kassaw Kibret, Tesfahun Melese Yilma, Theresa Claire Davies, Zelalem Alemayehu Genetu, Samuel Tesfaye Mekonone, Bruhtesfa Mouhabew Alene, Birhanu Mulat Addis, Kalkidan Nigussie, Rediet Getachew Ayele, Bilen Mekonnen Araya
Background: Disability influences activities of daily living, leading to unsafe conditions, poor quality of life, and dependence on others and assistive technologies. Despite limited access and unmet needs, assistive technology enables users to participate in education and be independent members of their community. Students with disabilities in higher education face many challenges in their day-to-day activities and evidence is limited in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to explore assistive technology experience and daily living challenges among students with disabilities in higher education.
Method: A descriptive qualitative study design was employed at the University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, between December 20, 2022, and January 20, 2023. A purposive sampling method was employed to recruit 14 students with disabilities. An in-depth interview was employed using semi-structured questionnaires. Open Code version 4 software for coding and reflexive thematic analysis approach was employed for the analysis.
Result: A total of 14 students with disabilities were included in an in-depth interview. Four main themes emerged, which included activities of daily living, attitudes toward people with disabilities, barriers to accessibility, and access to assistive technology.
Conclusion: Barriers to activities of daily living among students with disabilities were poor accessibility of infrastructural facilities, lack of teaching/learning materials in an accessible format, and negative attitudes. The present study's finding is needed to support students in higher education for their academic achievement and to design appropriate rehabilitation strategies and policies on the accessibility of physical infrastructures, inclusive education, and the provision of assistive technology.
{"title":"Assistive technology and daily living challenges among students with disabilities at University of Gondar, Ethiopia: a qualitative study.","authors":"Alemu Kassaw Kibret, Tesfahun Melese Yilma, Theresa Claire Davies, Zelalem Alemayehu Genetu, Samuel Tesfaye Mekonone, Bruhtesfa Mouhabew Alene, Birhanu Mulat Addis, Kalkidan Nigussie, Rediet Getachew Ayele, Bilen Mekonnen Araya","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2362248","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2362248","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Disability influences activities of daily living, leading to unsafe conditions, poor quality of life, and dependence on others and assistive technologies. Despite limited access and unmet needs, assistive technology enables users to participate in education and be independent members of their community. Students with disabilities in higher education face many challenges in their day-to-day activities and evidence is limited in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to explore assistive technology experience and daily living challenges among students with disabilities in higher education.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A descriptive qualitative study design was employed at the University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, between December 20, 2022, and January 20, 2023. A purposive sampling method was employed to recruit 14 students with disabilities. An in-depth interview was employed using semi-structured questionnaires. Open Code version 4 software for coding and reflexive thematic analysis approach was employed for the analysis.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>A total of 14 students with disabilities were included in an in-depth interview. Four main themes emerged, which included activities of daily living, attitudes toward people with disabilities, barriers to accessibility, and access to assistive technology.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Barriers to activities of daily living among students with disabilities were poor accessibility of infrastructural facilities, lack of teaching/learning materials in an accessible format, and negative attitudes. The present study's finding is needed to support students in higher education for their academic achievement and to design appropriate rehabilitation strategies and policies on the accessibility of physical infrastructures, inclusive education, and the provision of assistive technology.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"201-210"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141471597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-07-01DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2362895
Mine Celebi, Anika Cheng, Bonita Sawatzky, Johanne Mattie, Jaimie Borisoff, James J Laskin, W Ben Mortenson
Purpose: Wheelchair users experience many barriers to physical activity as affordable and accessible exercise equipment options are limited. Thus, the home-based adapted rower (aROW) and gym-based aROW were developed. The objectives were to determine: 1) wheelchair users' preferences, perspectives, facilitators, and barriers to using the home-based versus the gym-based aROW, 2) perceived usability of the home and gym aROWs, and 3) recommendations to adapt the aROW further for home and community use.
Materials and methods: In this two-phase exploratory mixed-methods study, participants completed one month of using a home aROW, followed by one month of using a community gym aROW. After each phase, participants completed a semi-structured interview and the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. Interview data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and effect size comparing SUS data was calculated.
Results and conclusions: Four categories were identified: what worked well, barriers to using the aROWs, what could be improved and important considerations. There was a large effect size in perceived usability between the aROWs with participants preferring the home aROW. Overall, rowing was enjoyable, and participants achieved positive physical outcomes. As preferences are individual, the home aROW provides wheelchair users with a potential choice between home or gym exercise.
{"title":"Should I stay or should I go? An exploratory study comparing wheelchair-adapted rowing at home vs. in community gyms.","authors":"Mine Celebi, Anika Cheng, Bonita Sawatzky, Johanne Mattie, Jaimie Borisoff, James J Laskin, W Ben Mortenson","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2362895","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2362895","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Wheelchair users experience many barriers to physical activity as affordable and accessible exercise equipment options are limited. Thus, the home-based adapted rower (aROW) and gym-based aROW were developed. The objectives were to determine: 1) wheelchair users' preferences, perspectives, facilitators, and barriers to using the home-based versus the gym-based aROW, 2) perceived usability of the home and gym aROWs, and 3) recommendations to adapt the aROW further for home and community use.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this two-phase exploratory mixed-methods study, participants completed one month of using a home aROW, followed by one month of using a community gym aROW. After each phase, participants completed a semi-structured interview and the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. Interview data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and effect size comparing SUS data was calculated.</p><p><strong>Results and conclusions: </strong>Four categories were identified: what worked well, barriers to using the aROWs, what could be improved and important considerations. There was a large effect size in perceived usability between the aROWs with participants preferring the home aROW. Overall, rowing was enjoyable, and participants achieved positive physical outcomes. As preferences are individual, the home aROW provides wheelchair users with a potential choice between home or gym exercise.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"211-221"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141471600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-05-16DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2353861
Anand Mhatre, Cassandra Loew, Ekim Yurtsever, Colin Mair
Purpose: This study evaluates the effect of power wheelchair telemonitoring and battery charging training on user charging behavior and repair measures and assesses the relationship between wheelchair usage and repair measures to support technician-led servicing.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of two matched cohorts with a total of n=237 users from the NHS service dataset. In the training cohort, a wheelchair usage telemonitoring device monitored the battery usage of n=119 power wheelchair users for 12 months. Users whose battery charging behavior was not optimal were instructed on appropriate charging practices. Wheelchair usage parameters of wheelchair drive and power time every month were used to predict repairs and associated costs.Results: Fifty-four out of 119 users in the training cohort did not charge batteries regularly and were instructed on appropriate charging. Twenty-six of them changed their behavior and charged their batteries every night. This cohort experienced reduced battery repairs by 18%, wheelchair repairs by 11%, and repair costs by £3,092 compared to a matched standard care cohort (n=118). User age and drive time were associated with repair measures. Drive time predicted time-to-failure for wheelchair parts and classified failure risk with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve as 0.71 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.82; p<.001). Conclusions: By leveraging the significant relationships between wheelchair usage and repairs, wheelchair users at risk of part failures can be identified, and technician-led servicing tools for proactive interventions can be developed. Wheelchair battery health telemonitoring and instructing users on appropriate battery charging reduced repairs and associated costs.
{"title":"Power wheelchair usage and repair are associated: a retrospective analysis.","authors":"Anand Mhatre, Cassandra Loew, Ekim Yurtsever, Colin Mair","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2353861","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2353861","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose</b>: This study evaluates the effect of power wheelchair telemonitoring and battery charging training on user charging behavior and repair measures and assesses the relationship between wheelchair usage and repair measures to support technician-led servicing.<b>Methods</b>: This is a retrospective analysis of two matched cohorts with a total of <i>n</i>=237 users from the NHS service dataset. In the training cohort, a wheelchair usage telemonitoring device monitored the battery usage of <i>n</i>=119 power wheelchair users for 12 months. Users whose battery charging behavior was not optimal were instructed on appropriate charging practices. Wheelchair usage parameters of wheelchair drive and power time every month were used to predict repairs and associated costs.<b>Results</b>: Fifty-four out of 119 users in the training cohort did not charge batteries regularly and were instructed on appropriate charging. Twenty-six of them changed their behavior and charged their batteries every night. This cohort experienced reduced battery repairs by 18%, wheelchair repairs by 11%, and repair costs by £3,092 compared to a matched standard care cohort (<i>n</i>=118). User age and drive time were associated with repair measures. Drive time predicted time-to-failure for wheelchair parts and classified failure risk with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve as 0.71 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.82; <i>p</i><.001). <b>Conclusions</b>: By leveraging the significant relationships between wheelchair usage and repairs, wheelchair users at risk of part failures can be identified, and technician-led servicing tools for proactive interventions can be developed. Wheelchair battery health telemonitoring and instructing users on appropriate battery charging reduced repairs and associated costs.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"127-134"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140959736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-06-04DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2360125
Alakshiya Arumuganathan, Iqra Shah, Franzina Coutinho, Dinesh Krishna, Navamani Venkatachalapathy, Marie Brien, Andrea Duncan
A paediatric Assistive Technology (AT) Provision Program was implemented by a non-governmental rehabilitation facility in rural South India to support rehabilitation providers in providing needed AT access for children with disabilities. Capacity-building measures for providers and other supports based on the AT needs, barriers, and facilitators to AT access were implemented that aligned with the AT global report for low-middle income countries (LMIC). This study explores how the initiatives from the AT Provision Program have influenced the perspectives of rehabilitation providers on AT access.
Using a qualitative design eight paediatric rehabilitation providers were purposively sampled for virtual semi-structured interviews. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis.
Six overarching themes were identified: (1) Stigma associated with AT use, (2) Organisational response to changing needs, (3) Financial factors related to family socioeconomic status and the organisation providing AT services, (4) Inequity of AT service access in rural areas, (5) Provider AT awareness and confidence and, (6) Quality assurance. Rehabilitation providers' experiences informed future AT capacity-building strategies within a low-resource context. Our findings provide valuable insights for the development of comprehensive AT Provision Program initiatives to provide AT access for children with disabilities in LMIC settings.
{"title":"Exploring rehabilitation providers' perspectives of assistive technology access after the implementation of a paediatric AT provision program in rural South India.","authors":"Alakshiya Arumuganathan, Iqra Shah, Franzina Coutinho, Dinesh Krishna, Navamani Venkatachalapathy, Marie Brien, Andrea Duncan","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2360125","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2360125","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A paediatric Assistive Technology (AT) Provision Program was implemented by a non-governmental rehabilitation facility in rural South India to support rehabilitation providers in providing needed AT access for children with disabilities. Capacity-building measures for providers and other supports based on the AT needs, barriers, and facilitators to AT access were implemented that aligned with the AT global report for low-middle income countries (LMIC). This study explores how the initiatives from the AT Provision Program have influenced the perspectives of rehabilitation providers on AT access.</p><p><p>Using a qualitative design eight paediatric rehabilitation providers were purposively sampled for virtual semi-structured interviews. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis.</p><p><p>Six overarching themes were identified: (1) Stigma associated with AT use, (2) Organisational response to changing needs, (3) Financial factors related to family socioeconomic status and the organisation providing AT services, (4) Inequity of AT service access in rural areas, (5) Provider AT awareness and confidence and, (6) Quality assurance. Rehabilitation providers' experiences informed future AT capacity-building strategies within a low-resource context. Our findings provide valuable insights for the development of comprehensive AT Provision Program initiatives to provide AT access for children with disabilities in LMIC settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"189-200"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141238740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-06-04DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2359472
Marielle André, Jérémy Enez, Kevin Charras, Maud Besançon, Sylvain Delouvée
Context: Assistive technologies have been identified by researchers and public policies of the Western world to be promising tools to face the challenge of maintaining quality of life of older people, and especially for nursing home habitants. Independence, autonomy, and participation are major determinants of quality of life of nursing homes habitants. Maintaining quality of life is nowadays a priority for public health policies and institutions of the where the population is growing older every year.
Method: This PRISMA-ScR review aims to determine which assistive technologies are used to promote autonomy, independence, and social participation of nursing home habitants. An electronic search was conducted for English, French articles to identify research studies using CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Googlescholar.
Results: 12 papers published between 2009 and 2023 described 6 assistive technologies: technologies integrated into the environment, monitoring technologies, surveillance technologies, information and communication technology, social assistance robots, virtual reality. Six types of AT are currently used worldwide to maintain autonomy, independence and participation of people living in nursing homes. Their use is mainly perceived as positive by habitants, care and non-care staff, next of kin, and experts despite some concerns regarding ethical, financial, consideration.
Discussion: Nevertheless, their impact on habitant's autonomy, independence and participation still needs to be measured using suitable tools to understand their real impact on the quality of life of the elderly.
{"title":"Autonomy, independence, and participation of nursing home habitants addressed by assistive technology: a scoping review.","authors":"Marielle André, Jérémy Enez, Kevin Charras, Maud Besançon, Sylvain Delouvée","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2359472","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2359472","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Assistive technologies have been identified by researchers and public policies of the Western world to be promising tools to face the challenge of maintaining quality of life of older people, and especially for nursing home habitants. Independence, autonomy, and participation are major determinants of quality of life of nursing homes habitants. Maintaining quality of life is nowadays a priority for public health policies and institutions of the where the population is growing older every year.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This PRISMA-ScR review aims to determine which assistive technologies are used to promote autonomy, independence, and social participation of nursing home habitants. An electronic search was conducted for English, French articles to identify research studies using CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Googlescholar.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>12 papers published between 2009 and 2023 described 6 assistive technologies: technologies integrated into the environment, monitoring technologies, surveillance technologies, information and communication technology, social assistance robots, virtual reality. Six types of AT are currently used worldwide to maintain autonomy, independence and participation of people living in nursing homes. Their use is mainly perceived as positive by habitants, care and non-care staff, next of kin, and experts despite some concerns regarding ethical, financial, consideration.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Nevertheless, their impact on habitant's autonomy, independence and participation still needs to be measured using suitable tools to understand their real impact on the quality of life of the elderly.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"150-162"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141238738","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-05-29DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2359479
Kevin M Pitt, Austin Spoor, Joshua Zosky
Purpose: Prior research has begun establishing the efficacy of animation in brain-computer interfaces access to augmentative and alternative communication (BCI-AAC). However, the use of animation in P300-BCI-AAC for children is in the early stages and largely limited to single item highlighting of extended durations. In pursuit of practical application, the present study aims to evaluate children's event-related potential (ERP) characteristics and user experience during a task involving an animated P300-BCI-AAC system.
Materials and methods: The system utilizes multi-item zoom animations to access a 28-pictorial symbols. Participants completed a fast (100 ms) and slow (200 ms) zoom animation highlighting conditions wherein four pictorial symbols were highlighted concurrently.
Results: The proposed display appears feasible, eliciting all targeted ERPs. However, ERP amplitudes may be reduced in comparison to single-item animation highlighting, possibly due to distraction. Ratings of mental effort were significantly higher for the 100 ms condition, though differences in the frontal P200/P300 ERP did not achieve significance. Most participants identified a preference for the 100 ms condition, though age may impact preference.
Conclusions: Overall, findings support the preliminary feasibility of a proposed 28-item interface that utilises group zoom animation highlighting of pictorial symbols. Further research is needed evaluating ERP characteristics and outcomes from online (real-time) use of animation-based P300-BCI-AAC for children with severe speech and physical impairments across multiple training sessions.
{"title":"Considering preferences, speed and the animation of multiple symbols in developing P300 brain-computer interface for children.","authors":"Kevin M Pitt, Austin Spoor, Joshua Zosky","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2359479","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2359479","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Prior research has begun establishing the efficacy of animation in brain-computer interfaces access to augmentative and alternative communication (BCI-AAC). However, the use of animation in P300-BCI-AAC for children is in the early stages and largely limited to single item highlighting of extended durations. In pursuit of practical application, the present study aims to evaluate children's event-related potential (ERP) characteristics and user experience during a task involving an animated P300-BCI-AAC system.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The system utilizes multi-item zoom animations to access a 28-pictorial symbols. Participants completed a fast (100 ms) and slow (200 ms) zoom animation highlighting conditions wherein four pictorial symbols were highlighted concurrently.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The proposed display appears feasible, eliciting all targeted ERPs. However, ERP amplitudes may be reduced in comparison to single-item animation highlighting, possibly due to distraction. Ratings of mental effort were significantly higher for the 100 ms condition, though differences in the frontal P200/P300 ERP did not achieve significance. Most participants identified a preference for the 100 ms condition, though age may impact preference.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, findings support the preliminary feasibility of a proposed 28-item interface that utilises group zoom animation highlighting of pictorial symbols. Further research is needed evaluating ERP characteristics and outcomes from online (real-time) use of animation-based P300-BCI-AAC for children with severe speech and physical impairments across multiple training sessions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"171-183"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141161741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-05-14DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2351499
Kathryn Jarvis, Julie Cook, Ganesh Bavikatte, Nicola Branscombe, Steve Donovan, Jo Haworth, Charlotte Lawrence, Chris Morland, Rachel C Stockley
Purpose: Digital health technologies have the potential to advance rehabilitation. The Virtual Engagement Rehabilitation Assistant (VERA) is a digital technology, co-designed to increase service-user engagement and promote self-management. This qualitative study explored staff and service-user perceptions of implementing VERA on a UK complex inpatient rehabilitation ward.
Methods: Purposively sampled service-users were allocated to VERA for up to six weeks. The Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability (NASSS) framework underpinned service-user post-intervention interviews and staff focus groups, and structured analysis of the data. Seven service-users were interviewed. Nine staff contributed to focus groups.
Results: A framework analysis identified themes (and subthemes) structured by the NASSS framework domains: 1. Nature of Clinical Condition, 2. Technology (Ease of Use, Holding Information/Resources in a single Digital Location, Appointments), 3. Value Proposition (Structuring Time, Feedback, Unexpected Benefits) 4. Adopters (Confidence in using Technology, Usefulness), 5. Wider Organisation. Ease of use and storage of key information in a single location were beneficial. Reliability, and provision of accurate and timely feedback to staff and service-users, were identified as essential.
Conclusions: A blended approach is required to meet staff and service-user needs. The potential for VERA in a community setting was identified and requires further investigation. Learning from VERA will support development of other digital technologies and their implementation.
目的:数字医疗技术具有推动康复的潜力。虚拟参与康复助理(VERA)是一项共同设计的数字技术,旨在提高服务用户的参与度并促进自我管理。这项定性研究探讨了英国一家复杂的住院康复病房的工作人员和服务用户对实施 VERA 的看法:方法:有目的的抽样服务用户被分配到 VERA,最长六周。未采用、放弃、推广、扩散和可持续性(NASSS)框架是服务用户干预后访谈和员工焦点小组以及结构化数据分析的基础。七名服务用户接受了访谈,九名员工参加了焦点小组。结果:框架分析确定了由 NASSS 框架领域构成的主题(和次主题):1.临床状况的性质,2.技术(易用性、在单一数字位置保存信息/资源、预约),3.价值主张(安排时间、反馈、意想不到的好处),4.采用者(使用技术的信心、有用性),5.更广泛的组织。易用性和将关键信息存储在一个位置是有益的。可靠性以及向员工和服务用户提供准确及时的反馈被认为是至关重要的:结论:需要一种混合方法来满足工作人员和服务用户的需求。发现了 VERA 在社区环境中的潜力,需要进一步调查。从 VERA 中汲取的经验将有助于其他数字技术的开发和实施。
{"title":"A pilot exploration of staff and service-user perceptions of a novel digital health technology (Virtual Engagement Rehabilitation Assistant) in complex inpatient rehabilitation.","authors":"Kathryn Jarvis, Julie Cook, Ganesh Bavikatte, Nicola Branscombe, Steve Donovan, Jo Haworth, Charlotte Lawrence, Chris Morland, Rachel C Stockley","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2351499","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2351499","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Digital health technologies have the potential to advance rehabilitation. The Virtual Engagement Rehabilitation Assistant (VERA) is a digital technology, co-designed to increase service-user engagement and promote self-management. This qualitative study explored staff and service-user perceptions of implementing VERA on a UK complex inpatient rehabilitation ward.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Purposively sampled service-users were allocated to VERA for up to six weeks. The Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability (NASSS) framework underpinned service-user post-intervention interviews and staff focus groups, and structured analysis of the data. Seven service-users were interviewed. Nine staff contributed to focus groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A framework analysis identified themes (and subthemes) structured by the NASSS framework domains: 1. Nature of Clinical Condition, 2. Technology (Ease of Use, Holding Information/Resources in a single Digital Location, Appointments), 3. Value Proposition (Structuring Time, Feedback, Unexpected Benefits) 4. Adopters (Confidence in using Technology, Usefulness), 5. Wider Organisation. Ease of use and storage of key information in a single location were beneficial. Reliability, and provision of accurate and timely feedback to staff and service-users, were identified as essential.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A blended approach is required to meet staff and service-user needs. The potential for VERA in a community setting was identified and requires further investigation. Learning from VERA will support development of other digital technologies and their implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"64-74"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140923114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-06-07DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2359473
Katy E Griggs
Purpose of the article: The aim of this study was to determine user satisfaction with manual wheelchairs in the United Kingdom and to determine areas that could be improved to help drive future design and development.
Materials and methods: Manual wheelchair users, aged 18-65 years old living in the United Kingdom, were invited, to complete an online cross-sectional questionnaire. The link to the questionnaire was distributed using a range of methods to charities, organisations and wheelchair user groups via invitation by email and social media. Responses were gathered from 122 respondents and analysed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation and content analysis.
Results: Respondents felt comfort (39.3%), weight (35.4%), manoeuvrability (34.3%) and durability (30.7%) were the most important features of a wheelchair. Seventy percent of respondents that were "not at all satisfied" with their current wheelchair were fitted by the National Health Service (NHS, X2 = 42.39, p < 0.001). Ninety percent of respondents who were "not at all satisfied" with their current wheelchair experienced issues with comfort (X2 = 17.82, p = 0.001). Sixty percent who were "not satisfied at all" with their wheelchair had not chosen their wheelchair (X2 = 25.15, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Wheelchair satisfaction was largely determined by comfort, location of the users' wheelchair fitting (for example the NHS) and users choosing their own wheelchair. Future wheelchair designs should utilise a user centred and inclusive design approach to cater for a wider range of individual needs and requirements.
{"title":"Wheelchair satisfaction and recommended improvements of manual wheelchairs in the UK.","authors":"Katy E Griggs","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2359473","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2359473","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of the article: </strong>The aim of this study was to determine user satisfaction with manual wheelchairs in the United Kingdom and to determine areas that could be improved to help drive future design and development.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Manual wheelchair users, aged 18-65 years old living in the United Kingdom, were invited, to complete an online cross-sectional questionnaire. The link to the questionnaire was distributed using a range of methods to charities, organisations and wheelchair user groups <i>via</i> invitation by email and social media. Responses were gathered from 122 respondents and analysed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation and content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Respondents felt comfort (39.3%), weight (35.4%), manoeuvrability (34.3%) and durability (30.7%) were the most important features of a wheelchair. Seventy percent of respondents that were \"not at all satisfied\" with their current wheelchair were fitted by the National Health Service (NHS, <i>X<sup>2</sup></i> = 42.39, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Ninety percent of respondents who were \"not at all satisfied\" with their current wheelchair experienced issues with comfort (<i>X<sup>2</sup></i> = 17.82, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Sixty percent who were \"not satisfied at all\" with their wheelchair had not chosen their wheelchair (<i>X<sup>2</sup></i> = 25.15, <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Wheelchair satisfaction was largely determined by comfort, location of the users' wheelchair fitting (for example the NHS) and users choosing their own wheelchair. Future wheelchair designs should utilise a user centred and inclusive design approach to cater for a wider range of individual needs and requirements.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"163-170"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141285024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-01-17DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2023.2295947
Ja-Ho Leigh, Moon Young Kim, Jae-Nam Kim, Jun-Chul Chung, Soul Han, Jin Hong Kim, Gangpyo Lee
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical applicability of a customised power wheelchair joystick using rapid prototyping with 3D modeling and printing technology within a rehabilitation centre for patients with cervical spinal cord injury.
Materials and methods: Two male participants with tetraplegia following cervical-level spinal cord injury who had difficulty operating a powered wheelchair were recruited. The procedure of the joystick-making and training service consists of four steps: (1) driving evaluation; (2) digital fabrication; (3) functional test; and (4) driving training. K-QUEST 2.0 (Korean-Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction version 2.0) was used to measure the usability of the off-the-shelf and customised joystick.
Results: During the application process, several redesign stages were required to obtain the final customised joystick. After participants attended a 30-min driving training five times per week for 8 weeks, the usability of the customised joystick was higher than that of the off-the-shelf one.
Conclusion: Providing the customised joystick-making and training service can be used in hospitalised rehabilitation centre before the hospital discharge of patients and returns to their everyday lives.
{"title":"Customised joystick-making and training service of power wheelchair using rapid prototyping in rehabilitation centre for people with cervical spinal cord injury: findings from two case studies.","authors":"Ja-Ho Leigh, Moon Young Kim, Jae-Nam Kim, Jun-Chul Chung, Soul Han, Jin Hong Kim, Gangpyo Lee","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2023.2295947","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2023.2295947","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the clinical applicability of a customised power wheelchair joystick using rapid prototyping with 3D modeling and printing technology within a rehabilitation centre for patients with cervical spinal cord injury.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Two male participants with tetraplegia following cervical-level spinal cord injury who had difficulty operating a powered wheelchair were recruited. The procedure of the joystick-making and training service consists of four steps: (1) driving evaluation; (2) digital fabrication; (3) functional test; and (4) driving training. K-QUEST 2.0 (Korean-Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction version 2.0) was used to measure the usability of the off-the-shelf and customised joystick.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the application process, several redesign stages were required to obtain the final customised joystick. After participants attended a 30-min driving training five times per week for 8 weeks, the usability of the customised joystick was higher than that of the off-the-shelf one.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Providing the customised joystick-making and training service can be used in hospitalised rehabilitation centre before the hospital discharge of patients and returns to their everyday lives.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"247-253"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139479481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}