Assistive Technology最新文献

Mobile vision assist applications offer critical support for blind and low vision individuals in performing everyday tasks, yet few studies have examined their real-world usability. This study explored two widely used applications - SeeingAI and Sullivan+-through observations and focus group interviews with 17 blind and low vision participants in South Korea performing personal hygiene, shopping, and restroom navigation tasks. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: (1) Variable Information Preferences Across Contexts, where participants required different information granularity based on situational needs and privacy concerns; (2) Interaction Efficiency and Operational Guidance Challenges, with difficulties from manual capture requirements, lack of camera positioning feedback, and processing delays; (3) Application and System Integration and Compatibility Barriers, highlighting disruptions from inter-application switching and poor accessibility tool integration; and (4) Technology Access and Knowledge Disparities, revealing how educational opportunities, financial constraints, and information dissemination pathways create unequal access within the blind and low vision community. Design recommendations include context-aware information delivery, conversational interfaces, hybrid recognition modes, seamless system integration, and device-agnostic functionality. These findings inform development of more inclusive mobile vision assist applications that support independent living while addressing systemic barriers to equitable technology access.

This scoping review explores conceptualizations of identity in relation to older adults' use of assistive technology and describes patterns of AT use and emotional experiences associated with identity-related concerns. Searches were conducted in six databases (n = 1508) limited to peer-reviewed papers published between 2000 and 2022; resulting in the inclusion of 33 relevant papers. The literature evidences an array of overlapping conceptualizations within identity and self. Older adults' experiences with assistive technology are nuanced by ambivalent emotions; marked by both positive - autonomy, security - and negative associations - loss of independence, stigma, threat to personal identity, and dignity. Patterns of technology use encompass compensatory strategies such as negotiation, delays, resignation, substitutions, and pragmatic customizations; these are strongly determined by the self-perception of the need to use assistive technologies. Findings demonstrate that identity-related concerns influence older adults' behavioral and emotional responses regarding the use of assistive technology. This highlights the need for further research on lived experiences and the role of stakeholders in supporting older adults' identity processes throughout their adoption of assistive technology.

Among the mechanical factors contributing to pressure injuries, shear forces at the body-seat interface play a critical role. This study introduces a novel machine learning approach to predict these forces, using data from pressure mapping systems and a multi-adjustable experimental seat. A supervised learning model was trained on measurements collected from individuals without disabilities and later evaluated on both this group and a cohort of wheelchair users. The selected model - a Random Forest Regression - relied on six input features: a calculated variable, backrest force, feet normal force, seat pan force, backrest area, and the location of the backrest center of pressure. It demonstrated promising accuracy, with an average error below 20% for individuals without disabilities and for wheelchair users whose shear forces were within a similar range. However, performance declined for wheelchair users exhibiting significantly lower shear forces. To improve generalizability, future work will expand the dataset to include participants with more diverse anthropometric characteristics and a broader range of seated postures.

Flatfoot is a common condition characterized by a low foot arch, causing pain and discomfort. Foot orthoses are commonly used to alleviate these symptoms. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 465 documents from the Scopus database using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny tools to identify research trends and future directions in foot orthosis for flatfoot treatment. The research is grouped into five main clusters: orthopedic and surgical procedures, patient demographics, biomechanics and physical assessments, advanced technologies in orthosis development, and clinical research. Key keywords include flatfoot, foot orthosis, female, adult, and biomechanics. The United States leads the publication output with 392 articles, followed by China, Italy, Iran, and South Korea. Future research should focus on new materials for orthoses, optimizing designs for better foot biomechanics, and incorporating advanced technologies such as 3D printing and computer simulations to enhance production. The study also calls for more research on patient-specific treatments, considering gender and demographic differences. Furthermore, controlled clinical trials are essential for evaluating long-term effectiveness and patient outcomes. Addressing these research gaps will improve foot orthosis design, manufacturing, and clinical application, enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

The dynamic arm support MOMO series by Reharo Corporation, Japan, is an upper limb orthosis that primarily supports the daily lives of people with impaired upper limb function. The MOMO series comprises two types: MOMO and MOMO Prime, which support horizontal movement and antigravity control of the upper limb, respectively. This case series describes occupational therapy interventions using the MOMO series and assistive devices tailored to the individual needs of five participants. Outcomes were assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the System Usability Scale (SUS). In all cases, COPM performance and satisfaction scores improved, indicating enhanced ability to engage in meaningful activities such as eating, smartphone use, and leisure. On the SUS score, higher satisfaction was observed when participants could apply the device independently and achieve tasks immediately after introduction. In several cases, the use of the MOMO series contributed to functional recovery, allowing tasks to be continued without the device. These findings suggest that the MOMO series can enhance independence, satisfaction, and quality of life when introduced with appropriate occupational therapy support.

This study uses a mixed-methods approach to explore the perspectives of orthotic technicians in the UK on the prescription and manufacturing of bespoke, rigid, thermoplastic ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) and the information they receive from clinicians to guide manufacturing. A questionnaire captured the information included in a typical AFO prescription and orthotic technicians' perspective regarding its clarity. Qualitative interviews with technicians revealed key challenges including a lack of standardization, communication gaps with clinicians, and workforce training needs. These insights are considered alongside recent technical findings that quantified AFO thickness variability and biomechanical implications. The findings highlight the need for standardized prescription protocols, improved quality assurance, and collaborative efforts to support consistency and patient outcomes.

An increase in the usage of advanced digital Sensory Integration Rooms (SIRs) is being witnessed to address specific sensory needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to improve their behavior and cognitive skills. The addition of Internet of Things (IoT) and RFID-based technologies improves the efficiency of such SIRs, which has been discussed in this paper. A User Adaptive Sensory Integration Room (UASIR) is designed and developed with a pool of Sensory Stimulating Devices (SSDs) to provide appropriate visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli. Interactive control panels followed by web interfaces and an RFID-based child identification system are introduced to elicit the capacities of stimuli management, efficient tracking of individual child interactions, and data acquisition. Four operational modes are emphasized in UASIR, including (i) relaxing (ii) exciting (iii) customized, and (iv) active, allowing for tailored sensory experiences based on individual preferences and therapeutic goals. Functionality evaluations reveal an overall satisfaction rate of 88% by 35 practitioners who utilized UASIR, indicating that it is highly effective in achieving its objectives. Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that practitioners' ratings for the use of added technologies are significantly higher compared to traditional fixed and manual methods, confirming the usefulness of integrated advanced features.

Complex Rehabilitation Technologies (CRT) are crucial to the everyday lives of people with disabilities. These devices and associated seating and positioning systems require regular maintenance, repair, and the replacement of components to maintain health, function, and participation in education, employment, and society. Despite this, research shows that these services are not being adequately provided. Standards in practice for wheelchair repair and maintenance have yet to be developed and are necessary to ensure the best quality of life for users. The purpose of this project was to establish the best practice for CRT maintenance and repair to inform all stakeholders and to improve the overall state of the issue. The authors utilized CRT failure data, initial stakeholder surveys, and guidelines from manufacturer owner's manuals to draft an initial document and implemented a cross-sectional, online questionnaire to be answered by clinicians, manufacturers, providers, and other stakeholders for the development of the "Practice Guidelines for CRT Service, Preventative Maintenance, and Repair." The survey received 145 total responses. Seventy-five were anonymous. Ninety-two stakeholders and CRT industry professionals left feedback. The feedback was analyzed, and several key themes were established. A final version of the document was created using feedback and released by iNRRTS.

Central to Design Your Life (DYL) is a toolkit that helps autistic young adults develop their own supportive devices. Within a seventeen-month period, fifteen participants worked on a wide variety of devices related to decision-making, nutrition, social interaction, and more. DYL aims to empower end users by (1) providing a supportive device with practical value and (2) offering an insightful and enjoyable design process with intrinsic value. This paper presents the main findings. We used data from fourteen evaluation interviews and ten follow-up interviews, conducted two weeks and three months after the design process. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed and the outcomes were discussed in a multistakeholder meeting involving members of the autistic community. Overall, participants attributed the most value to supportive technology in the areas of management, self-confidence, and social support. Supportive technology helped several participants better explain their support needs to trusted others. Supportive technology was also described as a sense-making tool, to explore how to navigate a world that is largely shaped for and by non-autistic people. These and other findings bolster new appreciations of supportive technology by autistic young adults.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of somatosensory foot orthoses (SFO) with tactile stimulating knobs on postural stability and gait in older adults across varied inclined terrains. Twenty-three participants walked on level, uphill, and downhill terrains and performed standing tasks with eyes open and closed, using either SFO or flat foot orthoses (FFO) on an instrumented treadmill. Key parameters measured included center of pressure (CoP) trajectories, ground reaction forces, and plantar pressures. SFO reduced mediolateral CoP displacement during 15-65% of the stance phase on downhill terrain (p < 0.001). Vertical ground reaction forces increased at 35-45% (p = 0.001) of stance on level terrain and decreased at 5-10% (p = 0.020) and 55-60% (p = 0.025) of stance on uphill terrain. Maximum plantar pressure decreased with SFO at the inner forefoot [level (p = 0.007), uphill (p = 0.001), and downhill (p < 0.001)], toes [uphill (p = 0.003) and downhill (p = 0.019)], and medial forefoot [uphill (p < 0.001) and downhill (p = 0.013)] on varied terrains. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating stimulating knobs into foot orthoses to enhance somatosensory feedback and improve plantar pressure distribution. Further studies are warranted to confirm and expand clinical applications for populations with balance impairments or increased fall risks.