Pub Date : 2024-05-03Epub Date: 2023-10-24DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2023.2267623
Kimberly A Nickerson, Kailey Diaz, Brittney C Muir
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults. Walkers are often used by and prescribed to this population to reduce fall risk, however, walker users and walker non-users alike experience similar fall incidence rates. The role of walkers in preventing falls is unclear as some studies suggest walkers may be a fall-inciting factor. The purpose of this study was to analyze walker deficits by evaluating the circumstances and causes of falls in older adult walker users residing in long-term care facilities. Videos capturing 34 real-life falls involving wheeled walkers (rollators and two-wheeled walkers) in two retirement facilities were analyzed for 3 themes: walker type, fall direction, and activity at the time of fall. A frequency analysis of these themes was performed to determine common fall mechanisms. The results of this study suggest two-wheeled walker and rollator users most often fall sideways while turning and backward during weight transfer, respectively. Poor maneuverability, lateral stability, and wheel velocity control of the walkers contributed to the falls. Device improvements addressing these areas of deficiency may be necessary to mitigate falls occurring in older adult walker users.
{"title":"Circumstances of falls among older adult walker users in long-term care and the associated walker design deficits.","authors":"Kimberly A Nickerson, Kailey Diaz, Brittney C Muir","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2267623","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2267623","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults. Walkers are often used by and prescribed to this population to reduce fall risk, however, walker users and walker non-users alike experience similar fall incidence rates. The role of walkers in preventing falls is unclear as some studies suggest walkers may be a fall-inciting factor. The purpose of this study was to analyze walker deficits by evaluating the circumstances and causes of falls in older adult walker users residing in long-term care facilities. Videos capturing 34 real-life falls involving wheeled walkers (rollators and two-wheeled walkers) in two retirement facilities were analyzed for 3 themes: walker type, fall direction, and activity at the time of fall. A frequency analysis of these themes was performed to determine common fall mechanisms. The results of this study suggest two-wheeled walker and rollator users most often fall sideways while turning and backward during weight transfer, respectively. Poor maneuverability, lateral stability, and wheel velocity control of the walkers contributed to the falls. Device improvements addressing these areas of deficiency may be necessary to mitigate falls occurring in older adult walker users.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10995100/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41169123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-03Epub Date: 2023-09-12DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2023.2244560
Jibrin Sammani Usman, Rabbilu Salisu, Auwal Abdullahi, Abubakar Tijjani Salihu, Ashiru Hamza Muhammad, Surajo Kamilu Sulaiman, Abdussalam Muhammad Yakasai
Mobility impairments and participation restrictions are common occurrences post-stroke, which may necessitate the need to utilize Assistive Technology (AT). This study investigated the prevalence, pattern, and satisfaction with AT utilization in stroke survivors (SS). The study was conducted in two hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. The QUBEC user evaluation of satisfaction with AT (QUEST) questionnaire and the Rivermead Mobility Index were used to assess satisfaction with AT utilization and mobility, respectively. Pearson correlation and independent t-test were used to determine the relationship and gender difference among the outcomes, respectively. A total of 280 SS participated; however, only 115 (41.07%) were AT users. The commonly used AT was wheelchair 84 (73%), while the least used was walking frame 3 (2.6%). About two-thirds of the participants were quite or very satisfied with their ATs. The duration of AT utilization is positively related to stroke duration (r = 0.940) but negatively related to mobility level (r = -0.246). There is no significant gender difference in duration and satisfaction with AT utilization. AT like wheelchairs seems uncommonly utilized among SS in Kano, Nigeria, likely due to patients' lack of knowledge of use, economic factors, and culture among others.
行动不便和参与受限是中风后常见的情况,因此可能需要使用辅助技术(AT)。本研究调查了中风幸存者(SS)使用辅助技术的普遍程度、模式和满意度。研究在尼日利亚卡诺的两家医院进行。采用 QUBEC 用户对辅助器具满意度评估 (QUEST) 问卷和 Rivermead 移动能力指数分别评估辅助器具使用和移动能力的满意度。皮尔逊相关和独立 t 检验分别用于确定结果之间的关系和性别差异。共有 280 名 SS 参与,但只有 115 人(41.07%)使用辅助器具。最常用的辅助器具是轮椅 84 台(73%),最少使用的是助行架 3 台(2.6%)。约三分之二的参与者对他们使用的辅助器具比较满意或非常满意。使用辅助器具的时间与中风持续时间呈正相关(r = 0.940),但与行动能力水平呈负相关(r = -0.246)。在使用辅助器具的持续时间和满意度方面没有明显的性别差异。尼日利亚卡诺的 SS 似乎很少使用轮椅等辅助器具,这可能是由于患者缺乏使用知识、经济因素和文化等原因造成的。
{"title":"Assistive Technology utilization among stroke survivors in Kano, Northwest Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Jibrin Sammani Usman, Rabbilu Salisu, Auwal Abdullahi, Abubakar Tijjani Salihu, Ashiru Hamza Muhammad, Surajo Kamilu Sulaiman, Abdussalam Muhammad Yakasai","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2244560","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2244560","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mobility impairments and participation restrictions are common occurrences post-stroke, which may necessitate the need to utilize Assistive Technology (AT). This study investigated the prevalence, pattern, and satisfaction with AT utilization in stroke survivors (SS). The study was conducted in two hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. The QUBEC user evaluation of satisfaction with AT (QUEST) questionnaire and the Rivermead Mobility Index were used to assess satisfaction with AT utilization and mobility, respectively. Pearson correlation and independent t-test were used to determine the relationship and gender difference among the outcomes, respectively. A total of 280 SS participated; however, only 115 (41.07%) were AT users. The commonly used AT was wheelchair 84 (73%), while the least used was walking frame 3 (2.6%). About two-thirds of the participants were quite or very satisfied with their ATs. The duration of AT utilization is positively related to stroke duration (<i>r</i> = 0.940) but negatively related to mobility level (<i>r </i>= -0.246). There is no significant gender difference in duration and satisfaction with AT utilization. AT like wheelchairs seems uncommonly utilized among SS in Kano, Nigeria, likely due to patients' lack of knowledge of use, economic factors, and culture among others.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10589708","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 : 2024-05-03Epub Date: 2023-08-02DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2023.2239555
Kinsey Herrin, Emily Upton, Aaron Young
Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, leaving survivors with profound mobility challenges that impact independent community ambulation. Evidence shows assistance at the hip during walking may be beneficial for stroke survivors. In this cross-over design study, we examine the impact of a novel hip exoskeleton on both functional and patient reported outcomes measuring speed, fall risk, gait symmetry, energy expenditure and perceived walking ability during both indoors and outdoors in single and serial counting dual task paradigms. Nine ambulatory stroke survivors with hemiplegia were included. No differences were seen between the exoskeleton and baseline conditions for any outcomes. Only the patient reported outcome in which subjects were asked to rate their ability to walk outdoors approached statistical significance (p = 0.051) with greater improvement reported for the exoskeleton condition. When asked to rate several key factors about the exoskeleton, weight and assistance emerged as primary perceived negative factors of the exoskeleton underscoring the need for improvements to the technology in this area. Despite lack of differences across groups, some individuals responded positively to the exoskeleton for several functional outcomes measured, highlighting the need for additional exploration into the use of personalized hip exoskeletons for post-stroke rehabilitation.
{"title":"Towards meaningful community ambulation in individuals post stroke through use of a smart hip exoskeleton: A preliminary investigation.","authors":"Kinsey Herrin, Emily Upton, Aaron Young","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2239555","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2239555","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, leaving survivors with profound mobility challenges that impact independent community ambulation. Evidence shows assistance at the hip during walking may be beneficial for stroke survivors. In this cross-over design study, we examine the impact of a novel hip exoskeleton on both functional and patient reported outcomes measuring speed, fall risk, gait symmetry, energy expenditure and perceived walking ability during both indoors and outdoors in single and serial counting dual task paradigms. Nine ambulatory stroke survivors with hemiplegia were included. No differences were seen between the exoskeleton and baseline conditions for any outcomes. Only the patient reported outcome in which subjects were asked to rate their ability to walk outdoors approached statistical significance (<i>p</i> = 0.051) with greater improvement reported for the exoskeleton condition. When asked to rate several key factors about the exoskeleton, weight and assistance emerged as primary perceived negative factors of the exoskeleton underscoring the need for improvements to the technology in this area. Despite lack of differences across groups, some individuals responded positively to the exoskeleton for several functional outcomes measured, highlighting the need for additional exploration into the use of personalized hip exoskeletons for post-stroke rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9918897","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 : 2024-05-03Epub Date: 2023-09-26DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2023.2261045
Stefan de Vries, Fransje van Oost, Hanneke Smaling, Nanda de Knegt, Pierre Cluitmans, Reon Smits, Erwin Meinders
People with severe intellectual disabilities (ID) could have difficulty expressing their stress which may complicate timely responses from caregivers. The present study proposes an automatic stress detection system that can work in real-time. The system uses wearable sensors that record physiological signals in combination with machine learning to detect physiological changes related to stress. Four experiments were conducted to assess if the system could detect stress in people with and without ID. Three experiments were conducted with people without ID (n = 14, n = 18, and n = 48), and one observational study was done with people with ID (n = 12). To analyze if the system could detect stress, the performance of random, general, and personalized models was evaluated. The mixed ANOVA found a significant effect for model type, F(2, 134) = 116.50, p < .001. Additionally, the post-hoc t-tests found that the personalized model for the group with ID performed better than the random model, t(11) = 9.05, p < .001. The findings suggest that the personalized model can detect stress in people with and without ID. A larger-scale study is required to validate the system for people with ID.
{"title":"Real-time stress detection based on artificial intelligence for people with an intellectual disability.","authors":"Stefan de Vries, Fransje van Oost, Hanneke Smaling, Nanda de Knegt, Pierre Cluitmans, Reon Smits, Erwin Meinders","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2261045","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2261045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>People with severe intellectual disabilities (ID) could have difficulty expressing their stress which may complicate timely responses from caregivers. The present study proposes an automatic stress detection system that can work in real-time. The system uses wearable sensors that record physiological signals in combination with machine learning to detect physiological changes related to stress. Four experiments were conducted to assess if the system could detect stress in people with and without ID. Three experiments were conducted with people without ID (<i>n</i> = 14, <i>n</i> = 18, and <i>n</i> = 48), and one observational study was done with people with ID (<i>n</i> = 12). To analyze if the system could detect stress, the performance of random, general, and personalized models was evaluated. The mixed ANOVA found a significant effect for model type, <i>F</i>(2, 134) = 116.50, <i>p</i> < .001. Additionally, the post-hoc t-tests found that the personalized model for the group with ID performed better than the random model, <i>t</i>(11) = 9.05, <i>p</i> < .001. The findings suggest that the personalized model can detect stress in people with and without ID. A larger-scale study is required to validate the system for people with ID.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41177460","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 : 2024-05-03Epub Date: 2024-05-15DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2344414
Emma M Smith
{"title":"Assistive technology requires an intersectoral approach.","authors":"Emma M Smith","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2344414","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2024.2344414","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140946294","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 : 2024-05-03Epub Date: 2023-09-19DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2023.2254359
Ikenna D Ebuenyi, Emma M Smith, Monica Z Jamali, Alister Munthali, Malcolm MacLachlan
Policy development and implementation are key to improving access to Assistive Technology (AT). In this paper, we describe a strength-based framework for doing this at national level. We used an action research approach, with the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) as the primary frame of reference. Primary data were collected using the World Health Organisation's rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA). We describe the process of applying our emergent framework and how our findings support it. We identified seven guiding principles for effective policy process: Participatory, Resource aware, Outcomes focused, Collaborative, Evidence-informed, supporting good practices, and System strengthening - which can be summarized by the acronym PROCESS. Five crucial building blocks for effective AT policy development emerged: Identification of the assistive technology ecosystem, Demography of disability and AT use, Evaluation of inclusion and participation in existing policy, Alignment with UNCRPD and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Locality of implementation - which can be summarized with the acronym IDEAL. The IDEAL PROCESS incorporates key content building blocks and core process principles, constituting a systematic framework for guiding the development of context sensitive AT policy and a strength-based pathway to improving access AT.
{"title":"The IDEAL PROCESS for developing Assistive Technology policy.","authors":"Ikenna D Ebuenyi, Emma M Smith, Monica Z Jamali, Alister Munthali, Malcolm MacLachlan","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2254359","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2254359","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Policy development and implementation are key to improving access to Assistive Technology (AT). In this paper, we describe a strength-based framework for doing this at national level. We used an action research approach, with the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) as the primary frame of reference. Primary data were collected using the World Health Organisation's rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (<i>rATA</i>). We describe the process of applying our emergent framework and how our findings support it. We identified seven guiding principles for effective policy process: <i>Participatory</i>, <i>Resource</i> aware, <i>Outcomes</i> focused, <i>Collaborative, Evidence</i>-informed, <i>supporting</i> good practices, and <i>System</i> strengthening - which can be summarized by the acronym PROCESS. Five crucial building blocks for effective AT policy development emerged: <i>Identification</i> of the assistive technology ecosystem, <i>Demography</i> of disability and AT use, <i>Evaluation</i> of inclusion and participation in existing policy, <i>Alignment</i> with UNCRPD and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and <i>Locality</i> of implementation - which can be summarized with the acronym IDEAL. The IDEAL PROCESS incorporates key content building blocks and core process principles, constituting a systematic framework for guiding the development of context sensitive AT policy and a strength-based pathway to improving access AT.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41173491","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 : 2024-05-03Epub Date: 2024-01-30DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2305972
S Ridilla, H Wang, L Sylvester, S Arnold
Adolescents with CP classified as Gross Motor Functional Classification System Level V attend school up to 8 h daily with limited ability to self-reposition. Despite pain reported within this population, perceived pain and self-pressure relief during prolonged classroom sitting is unknown. A case series design was used with a convenience sample of six students (13-18 years) with CP. Pain assessments were taken every 30 min for 5 h. Self-relief assessments using the SensiMATTM were recorded while students were in their wheelchairs. One student self-reported pain and three students proxy reported pain movements. All students had unrelieved pressure or did not self-relieve pressure for at least 1.5 consecutive hours. Four students increased their self-pressure relief movements after 3.5 h. This study provided preliminary data regarding perceived pain and self-pressure relief during prolonged sitting and demonstrated that the SensiMATTM can capture pressure relief movements in sitting of students with severe CP. Although there was no trend of reported pain, students may either be moving enough, as demonstrated by recorded pressure relief movements, to independently relieve pressure and pain, or current pain assessments may not be sensitive enough for those with the most severe disabilities.
{"title":"Pain and self-pressure relief in adolescents with cerebral palsy.","authors":"S Ridilla, H Wang, L Sylvester, S Arnold","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2305972","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2305972","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescents with CP classified as Gross Motor Functional Classification System Level V attend school up to 8 h daily with limited ability to self-reposition. Despite pain reported within this population, perceived pain and self-pressure relief during prolonged classroom sitting is unknown. A case series design was used with a convenience sample of six students (13-18 years) with CP. Pain assessments were taken every 30 min for 5 h. Self-relief assessments using the SensiMAT<sup>TM</sup> were recorded while students were in their wheelchairs. One student self-reported pain and three students proxy reported pain movements. All students had unrelieved pressure or did not self-relieve pressure for at least 1.5 consecutive hours. Four students increased their self-pressure relief movements after 3.5 h. This study provided preliminary data regarding perceived pain and self-pressure relief during prolonged sitting and demonstrated that the SensiMAT<sup>TM</sup> can capture pressure relief movements in sitting of students with severe CP. Although there was no trend of reported pain, students may either be moving enough, as demonstrated by recorded pressure relief movements, to independently relieve pressure and pain, or current pain assessments may not be sensitive enough for those with the most severe disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139643325","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 : 2024-05-03Epub Date: 2023-09-12DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2023.2242893
Lauren E MacLellan, Cara E Stepp, Susan K Fager, Michelle Mentis, Alyssa R Boucher, Defne Abur, Gabriel J Cler
Camera Mouse is a freely available software program that visually tracks the movement of facial features to allow individuals with motor impairments to control a computer mouse. The goal of this case study was to provide an evaluation of Camera Mouse as a computer access method as part of a multiple modality communication system for an individual with cerebral palsy. The participant was asked to reproduce sentences and respond to ethical dilemmas for language sampling. Tasks were completed using natural speech and an AAC solution consisting of Camera Mouse paired with an orthographic selection interface and speech synthesis. The participant completed a questionnaire for satisfaction with the introduced assistive technology. Camera Mouse resulted in higher intelligibility than natural speech, while natural speech had a higher rate. She used more complex language with her natural speech. The participant rated Camera Mouse as at least 3/5 on all measures, including 5/5 on weight and safety. The results of this case study suggest Camera Mouse is a promising computer access system for communication supported by the participant's satisfaction rating, expressive language, and synthesized speech production capabilities.
{"title":"Evaluating <i>Camera Mouse</i> as a computer access system for augmentative and alternative communication in cerebral palsy: A case study.","authors":"Lauren E MacLellan, Cara E Stepp, Susan K Fager, Michelle Mentis, Alyssa R Boucher, Defne Abur, Gabriel J Cler","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2242893","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2023.2242893","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Camera Mouse</i> is a freely available software program that visually tracks the movement of facial features to allow individuals with motor impairments to control a computer mouse. The goal of this case study was to provide an evaluation of <i>Camera Mouse</i> as a computer access method as part of a multiple modality communication system for an individual with cerebral palsy. The participant was asked to reproduce sentences and respond to ethical dilemmas for language sampling. Tasks were completed using natural speech and an AAC solution consisting of <i>Camera Mouse</i> paired with an orthographic selection interface and speech synthesis. The participant completed a questionnaire for satisfaction with the introduced assistive technology. <i>Camera Mouse</i> resulted in higher intelligibility than natural speech, while natural speech had a higher rate. She used more complex language with her natural speech. The participant rated <i>Camera Mouse</i> as at least 3/5 on all measures, including 5/5 on weight and safety. The results of this case study suggest <i>Camera Mouse</i> is a promising computer access system for communication supported by the participant's satisfaction rating, expressive language, and synthesized speech production capabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10927611/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10571702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-27DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2328082
Elizabeth Howarth, Geena Vabulas, Sean Connolly, Dawn Green, Sara Smolley
The Voiceitt app is designed for people with dysarthric speech, to support vocal communication and access to voice-driven technologies. Sixty-six participants were recruited to test the Voiceitt app and share feedback with developers. Most had physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments in addition to atypical speech. The project team liaised with individuals, their families and local support teams to provide access to the app and associated equipment. Testing was user-led, with participants asked to identify and test use cases most relevant to their daily lives over three months or more. Ongoing technical support and training were provided remotely and in-person throughout their testing. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect feedback on users' experiences, with delivery adapted to individuals' needs and preferences. Informal feedback was collected through ongoing contact between participants, their families and support teams and the project team. User feedback has led to improvements to the user interface and functionality, including faster voice training, simplified navigation, the introduction of game-style features and of switch access as an alternative to touchscreen access. This work offers a case-study in meaningful engagement with diverse disabled users of assistive technology in commercial software development.
{"title":"Developing accessible speech technology with users with dysarthric speech.","authors":"Elizabeth Howarth, Geena Vabulas, Sean Connolly, Dawn Green, Sara Smolley","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2328082","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2328082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Voiceitt app is designed for people with dysarthric speech, to support vocal communication and access to voice-driven technologies. Sixty-six participants were recruited to test the Voiceitt app and share feedback with developers. Most had physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments in addition to atypical speech. The project team liaised with individuals, their families and local support teams to provide access to the app and associated equipment. Testing was user-led, with participants asked to identify and test use cases most relevant to their daily lives over three months or more. Ongoing technical support and training were provided remotely and in-person throughout their testing. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect feedback on users' experiences, with delivery adapted to individuals' needs and preferences. Informal feedback was collected through ongoing contact between participants, their families and support teams and the project team. User feedback has led to improvements to the user interface and functionality, including faster voice training, simplified navigation, the introduction of game-style features and of switch access as an alternative to touchscreen access. This work offers a case-study in meaningful engagement with diverse disabled users of assistive technology in commercial software development.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140307774","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 : 2024-03-27DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2328068
Helen MacDonald, Gemma Bradley, Katie Cummings, Gemma Eskandari, Charlotte Price, Lara Weller
Assistive Technology for Cognition (ATC) can help people to compensate for cognitive impairments following Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Examples include mainstream devices such as smartphones, watches and environmental controls, and bespoke devices such as medication devices or specific educational software. Evidence suggests that professional support is key to people successfully adopting ATC, yet low confidence amongst clinicians and perceptions about barriers are often cited as reasons for not recommending ATC in practice. The objectives of this service evaluation were to evaluate the impact of an ATC training opportunity on the knowledge and confidence of staff and to explore staff perspectives of the barriers and enablers to implementation of ATC in practice. A survey was completed by 21 members of a Community Acquired Brain Injury Service before and after participating in an ATC training workshop. Survey findings highlighted that attitudes toward, and confidence with ATC, showed positive change after the training, whilst perceptions about barriers to implementation in practice reduced. Responses also highlighted the perceived importance of education for health professionals, service users and families as key enablers to successful implementation. Multi-professional training is therefore an important part of an implementation strategy for ATC.
{"title":"The impact of a training intervention on knowledge, confidence and attitudes of professionals in a Community Acquired Brain Injury Service about assistive technology for cognition: a before and after survey.","authors":"Helen MacDonald, Gemma Bradley, Katie Cummings, Gemma Eskandari, Charlotte Price, Lara Weller","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2328068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2024.2328068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Assistive Technology for Cognition (ATC) can help people to compensate for cognitive impairments following Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Examples include mainstream devices such as smartphones, watches and environmental controls, and bespoke devices such as medication devices or specific educational software. Evidence suggests that professional support is key to people successfully adopting ATC, yet low confidence amongst clinicians and perceptions about barriers are often cited as reasons for not recommending ATC in practice. The objectives of this service evaluation were to evaluate the impact of an ATC training opportunity on the knowledge and confidence of staff and to explore staff perspectives of the barriers and enablers to implementation of ATC in practice. A survey was completed by 21 members of a Community Acquired Brain Injury Service before and after participating in an ATC training workshop. Survey findings highlighted that attitudes toward, and confidence with ATC, showed positive change after the training, whilst perceptions about barriers to implementation in practice reduced. Responses also highlighted the perceived importance of education for health professionals, service users and families as key enablers to successful implementation. Multi-professional training is therefore an important part of an implementation strategy for ATC.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140307775","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}