Assistive Technology最新文献

Children with neuromotor disorders often experience hand impairments that limit independence in daily tasks as well as the acquisition of new skills. Robotic aids like hand exoskeletons can improve function, but many designs fail to meet user needs, reducing adoption. This study collected parental feedback to guide the development of user-centered hand exoskeletons. An anonymous online survey was distributed to the parents of children with neurological disorders and previously treated at IRCCS E. Medea - Associazione "La Nostra Famiglia" in Bosisio Parini, Italy. Only parents of children with upper limb impairments were invited to answer. The survey explored their perceptions of hand exoskeletons, focusing on functional needs, user-friendliness, and training expectations. A total of forty-six surveys were completed, of which three were incomplete and therefore excluded. Of the forty-three considered, 76.3% expressed interest in a hand exoskeleton for their child, identifying dressing, hygiene, and eating as key activities to address. Key issues in the development of an exoskeleton for the parents were weight, comfort, associated aesthetics and trust. User feedback emphasizes the need for comfortable, lightweight designs with aesthetic appeal to reduce stigma. Parents prioritized functional benefits for daily activities over recreational use.

To reduce fall risk in the homes of community-dwelling older adults, various home modifications (e.g. grab bars, handrails, raised toilets) are recommended. These home modifications might enable older adults to remain independent and are purported to reduce falls. The combined and independent impact on falls is poorly constructed. The objective of this review was to understand the independent and combined influence of the type and location of home modifications on fall-related outcomes in community-dwelling older adults. Three databases (Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline) were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. Studies were synthesized in a narrative (descriptive) results summary grouped by fall outcome, and categorized according to the specific home modifications. Of the 209 studies evaluated, nine met inclusion criteria and were from four different countries. The most common home modifications made were grab bar and handrail implementation. The results suggest that secure rails reduce the number of fallers and fall rates among community-dwelling older adults and implementing a combination of home modifications might reduce the number of fallers or cause no change. Future studies should develop strategies to improve intervention adherence and use a combination of technologies in a randomized control study design.

Over the past few years, several prosthetic solutions have been produced using Additive Manufacturing (AM). e-NABLE community has been developing these devices, which, despite low cost, are often uncomfortable, less functional and aesthetically unpleasing. This study aimed to develop a functional and anthropomorphic body-powered transhumeral device by redesigning an e-NABLE prosthesis, combining rigid and flexible materials. The process involved analyzing a clinical case of an 8-year-old girl with a transhumeral malformation, assessing her needs and anatomy through measurements and 3D scanning. Testimonies from children with similar conditions and healthcare professionals were also gathered. In the design stage, multiple prototypes were created using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and 3D printing, and then tested for performance and resistance. Additionally, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed to study the device's behavior, while an ongoing study focused on identifying optimal materials. The final prosthesis weighs 400 g, balancing affordability, comfort, aesthetics and functionality, despite some limitations. The terminal device fully closes, requiring between 85.3 N and 163.2 N of force, powered by the amputee's shoulder movements. It performs shoulder internal/external rotation, elbow flexion/extension and forearm supination/pronation. While it can support a maximum load of at least 0.9 kg, maintaining a grip remains a challenge.

Immersive virtual reality (VR) delivered through a head-mounted device is an emerging rehabilitation modality for Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous reviews investigated VR-based intervention; none specifically focused on head-mounted display-based virtual reality rehabilitation (head-mounted VRehab). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of head-mounted VRehab on balance, gait, motor and cognitive function, and quality of life in individuals with PD, compared with conventional therapy (CT) or baseline outcomes. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched through June 2025. Studies included individuals with PD, applied a head-mounted VRehab lasting ≥3 weeks, and reported pre-post or comparative outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 tool for RCTs and the JBI checklist for non-RCTs. Eleven studies (n = 278 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of RCTs; head-mounted VRehab significantly improved quality of life (PDQ-39) compared with CT. Pre-post pooled analysis demonstrated significant improvement in Tinetti balance and gait and TUG dual-task, while no significant pooled effects were observed for TUG and UPDRS-III. Individual studies also reported improvements in static balance, gait endurance, and upper-limb function. Head-mounted VRehab enhances quality of life, balance, gait, and cognitive-motor function in PD, warranting further rigorous RCTs.PROSPERO Registration No: CRD42024611662 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails.

The aim of the study was to analyze and compare data obtained from different types of microprocessor-controlled knee prostheses that failed in amputated people with transfemoral and knee disarticulation. The medical records of adult amputees whose microprocessor-controlled knee joint prosthesis failed were reviewed. The Genium X3 had a statistically significant higher daily prosthesis use time than the Plié 2.0 and Plié 3.0 groups (p = 0.033), Orion (p = 0.009) and C-Leg 3 (p = 0.017). Patients who used the Orion, C-Leg 4, Plié 2.0 and Plié 3.0 prostheses had a statistically significantly longer duration of use of the current prosthesis than those who used the Genium, and patients who used the C-Leg 3 had a statistically significantly longer duration of use than those who used the Genium X3 (p = 0.023, p = 0.042, p = 0.010, p = 0.018, respectively). There was a statistically significant correlation between current age and time since amputation and duration of current prosthesis use (p = 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively) (r = 0.315, r = 0.364, respectively). There was a significant correlation between time since amputation and daily prosthesis use time (p = 0.015, r = -0.253). In adult transfemoral and disarticulated knee people with amputations, daily prosthesis use time decreases and current prosthesis use time increases with increasing amputation duration.

Education is rapidly evolving, especially with the growth of online learning during the pandemic. As this transformation continues, it's crucial to ensure that students with visual disabilities are not left behind due to accessibility barriers. The lack of built in accessibility features in web pages and applications underscores the importance of integrating such considerations into their design. This paper presents a web application designed to assist individuals with visual disabilities and low vision by transliterating Indian languages, including Bengali, Odia, Hindi, English, and Telugu, into their respective Braille scripts. The key features of the application include text based input, voice based navigation, multilingual voice input, shortcut keys for major functionalities, low vision support, and compatibility with Braille embossing. We also reviewed existing Braille transliteration tools and highlighted the interactive accessibility features integrated into our web application. We have also shared insights from initial cross browser compatibility tests, user testing, and preliminary user evaluations. Our goal is to empower individuals with visual disabilities to access online educational content in Braille across multiple Indian languages, thereby fostering inclusivity in learning environments and supporting special educators in delivering accessible resources.

The purpose of this RESNA position paper on assistive technology for lying posture care management (LPCM) serves to align academic research and clinical best practices. Lying posture, although critical in postural care, is under-addressed in both policy and clinical settings to assist practitioners in decision-making and justification of LPCM recommendations. The Position Paper frames LPCM within the 24-hour posture care management (PCM) model, highlighting its role in preventing body shape distortions, reducing health complications, and enhancing participation for individuals with limited mobility.

There are no existing guidelines for healthcare teams to evaluate rehabilitation technology and maximize its use in neurologic rehabilitation. By incorporating rehabilitation technologies into neurorehabilitation, therapists can bridge the gap between research and feasible client-centered interventions. Technology use can facilitate evidence-based practice that reflects recent trends in neurorehabilitation. Integration of rehabilitation technology is heavily dependent on the consideration of the barriers to technological adoption at both the organizational level and clinical level. The purpose of this commentary is to describe a theory-driven, systematic process with consideration of facilitators and barriers to technological uptake in neurorehabilitation. This process considers the views of multiple stakeholders to evaluate technology in rehabilitation and make cost-effective decisions, maximize available interventions, prevent technological abandonment, and integrate evidenced-based interventions for neurorehabilitation best practice.

Assistive technology(AT) presents potential for the improvement of public health and the achievement of fundamental human rights, however the use and access to AT, especially in Latin American Countries is still a neglected field of research and practice. This study aims to systematically review the evidence on access to Assistive Technology and related services in Latin American Countries. Literature was searched in 5 web-based databases (EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, LILACS and PUDMED). Studies carried out in Latin American countries addressing AT and its related services were included. The 33 included articles were primarily focused on service delivery, assistive device outcome and satisfaction, with only a few projects focusing on AT design, evaluation, provision and training. While some assistive devices (e.g. hearing aids, mobility aids, vision aids) are available in Latin American Countries, other aids designed to prevent impairment, disability, and other health outcomes, such as cognitive and augmentative communication devices, have received little attention. Despite the availability of some assistive devices, significant barriers to access persist, including limited awareness, insufficient training for professionals, and a lack of systematic, equitable approaches to provision.