Assistive Technology最新文献

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.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disorder in the world. It affects 2-3% of older adults 65 and above and nearly 4% of older adults older than 85 years. One of PD's most common motor symptoms is tremors in the limbs. These tremors cause significant difficulty in performing everyday activities such as buttoning shirts, using a fork, writing, and operating a computer mouse or television remote making the patients reliant on their caregivers. There is no cure for PD, and treatment options to manage the tremors have decreasing response over time. Several wearable assistive devices have been developed in recent times to manage the tremors, but technology to assist with digital multimedia devices is limited. In this paper, we introduce TRECEY (TREmor Compensation using EYe-tracking), an algorithm to use eye-tracking data to stabilize the cursor movement of a multimedia remote controller. We tested the technology with 15 healthy volunteers using simulated tremors generated by a custom-built two axis vibration generator and validated the system with 10 patients with Parkinson's disease. The results show a statistically significant improvement in performance in interaction with a digital multimedia interface using eye-tracking based stabilization.

Children with developmental delays struggle with motor skills, making traditional physiotherapy challenging. Head And Trunk Control Rehabilitation (HATCoRe) device offers an interactive alternative. This study aims to enhance functionality and assess feasibility of the HATCoRe device based on feedback from experts, caregivers of children with atypical development (AD), and responses from children with typical development (TD). Five experts evaluated device's user-friendliness and suggested modifications. Five children (TD and AD) underwent exercises to test parameters like, head lift attempts, sustenance time, preferred auditory and visual stimuli, reaction time, enjoyment, and comfort. Caregivers of children with AD suggested feedback. Children with TD and AD underwent one and three sessions of cervical flexion and extension exercises, respectively. The device was fine-tuned based on the feedback. Audiovisual stimuli were tailored to meet participant's needs. Reaction time ranged between 1 and 125 s. The device achieved high adherence but showed variable recruitment rates due to logistical challenges. While TD group showed high retention rate, it was lower in AD group. Recommendations for shorter session durations were made to enhance acceptability of device. Despite a technical glitch in data management, the device remained safe without adverse events, supporting its potential for effective clinical use.Implications for rehabilitation This study implements a novel technology-based intervention for children with developmental delays exhibiting poor head and trunk control on a limited sample in a low-resource setting.Preliminary findings suggests that the HATCoRe device may provide an objective means of tracking progress and engaging caregivers in rehabilitation, however, confirmation through larger scale efficacy study is warranted.Further research is warranted to assess the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of the HATCoRe device in children with atypical development using controlled study designs.

Individuals with tetraplegia rely on assistive devices to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and enhance independence. This review evaluates their effectiveness and user acceptance for supporting independence. A systematic literature search was conducted across seven databases from September 2004-2024 (PROSPERO: CRD42022370351). Studies evaluating assistive devices in experimental or real-world settings with individuals with tetraplegia that reported performance (task achievement) and perception (user experience) outcomes were included. Risk of bias was assessed with the Downs and Black checklist modified for nonintervention studies. From 1,670 initial records, 34 articles met inclusion criteria, involving 366 participants. Robotic arms, wearable exoskeletons, computer interfaces, powered wheelchairs, and functional electrical stimulation systems demonstrated varying effectiveness. Performance outcomes were often task-specific, and perception depended on ease of use, comfort, and adaptability. Few studies measured impact on quality of life or long-term adoption. Invasive technologies showed promising results but faced adoption barriers related to complexity and aesthetics. Heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis. While some assistive technologies improve independence, better usability and customization are needed for wider adoption. Technologies must offer substantial improvements to justify adaptation efforts. Reporting should be clearer and more standardized to facilitate comparison. Demographic biases (overrepresentation of spinal cord injury, global north, and males) limited generalizability.

To address the alimentary challenges faced by people with Parkinson's disease (PwP), this study explored their mealtime experiences and identified strategies for improving adaptive utensil design. Using a participatory approach, we conducted surveys, semi-structured interviews, and a co-design workshop to gather comprehensive insights into both functional and psychosocial barriers. Findings from the qualitative data informed the development of a design guideline, which subsequently shaped the structure and activities of the co-design workshop. During the workshop, PwP, clinicians, and designers collaboratively developed three adaptive eating utensils, which were refined through iterative prototyping and 3D printing, ultimately resulting in a set of mainstream adaptive utensils. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating mainstream aesthetics and user voice into the design of adaptive utensils through co-design and digital fabrication. By moving beyond device-centric approaches, this method supports ergonomic functionality while potentially addressing psychosocial barriers such as self-stigma. The resulting designs aim to promote eating autonomy, comfort, and social inclusion for PwP.

This paper addresses communication challenges for vocally and hearing impaired individuals by developing a cost-effective, high-accuracy device utilizing deep learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP). The device supports interaction by recognizing both Indian Sign Language and Customized Sign Languages. We evaluated four AI models, including Random Forest Classifier, XGBoost Classifier, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The CNN achieved the highest accuracy of 90%, effectively capturing intricate sign language gestures, compared to 80% for SVM, 81% for Random Forest and 76% for XGBoost. Consequently, CNN was deployed in the device. The system features an embedded System on Chip board for affordability and operates in two phases: interpreting hand gestures via CNN and converting them into voice commands through NLP, delivered via speaker or earphones. A mobile app is included to enhance communication between impaired and non-impaired users. This solution aims to bridge communication gaps and improves the quality of life for the hearing and vocally impaired.

Smart home technology offers significant potential to improve independence, convenience, and daily functioning for individuals with disabilities. Despite its promise, there is limited research examining how people with different types of disabilities experience and adopt smart home systems in their everyday lives. This study aimed to explore user perspectives and suggest strategies for enhancing smart home services by conducting a cross-sectional qualitative study with 25 participants, including individuals with physical, visual, hearing, developmental, or brain lesion-related disabilities. Data were collected through disability-specific focus groups and were analyzed thematically. Four major themes were identified: motivations for adoption (e.g. convenience, safety, energy efficiency), accessibility barriers (e.g. technical complexity, inconsistent functionality), facilitators of continued use (e.g. peer feedback, increased independence), and space-specific needs within the home. Quantitative data supported these findings, with 92% of participants reporting overall satisfaction. However, concerns remained about reliability and accessibility. The findings highlight the importance of user-centered customization, simplified integration, and spatially adaptive design to promote the effective and inclusive use of smart home technology among people with disabilities.

Assistive technologies designed through co-design hold promise for enhancing independence and quality of life for autistic people. By actively involving stakeholders in the development process, co-design improves the relevance of assistive technologies and empowers stakeholders by providing them with a greater sense of control. Although stakeholders are increasingly involved in co-design, the involvement of caregivers in the co-design of everyday technology, representing their own needs rather than solely representing autistic end-users, is limited, despite caregivers frequently interacting with these technologies. It is essential to incorporate their preferences and wishes into the design process. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore the role of caregivers in co-designing everyday technologies with autistic young adults, as reflected in the current literature. This research provides insights into the extent and way caregivers contribute to the co-design of everyday technologies. We systematically queried seven databases, which returned 863 records after removing duplicates. Guided by the PRISMA-ScR approach, we selected 28 studies. The findings indicate that caregivers are minimally involved in the co-design of everyday technologies. If they are involved at all, it is mainly as proxies for autistic people. Future research should involve caregivers as key stakeholders when co-designing everyday technology.

Lower-limb orthoses are often either standardized, lacking personalization for individual clinical needs, or custom-made, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive for orthotists. To address this gap, this study proposes a co-creation methodology for developing a customized orthosis, integrating 3D scanning, computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D printing with feedback from both the clinical team and the patient's caregivers. The methodology was applied to a fibular hemimelia case study, where the orthosis was designed based on 3D scans and printed using two materials: thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for flexibility and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) for rigidity. Usability and satisfaction assessments were conducted using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0). The orthosis met the clinical requirements, allowing the child to take a normal stride without discomfort (SUS: 92.5/100; QUEST 2.0: 4.2/5). Although the orthosis fractured at the ankle after a few hours of use, the study provided crucial insights for future design improvements. These findings highlight the utility of this co-creation approach in developing personalized orthotic models and demonstrate the advantages of using multi-material 3D printing to enhance orthosis functionality.

Hyperkyphosis, defined as excessive forward thoracic curvature, is associated with pain, impaired balance, increased fall risk, and reduced quality of life in older adults. Spinal orthoses have been proposed as a therapeutic option. This systematic review evaluated their effects on pain, kyphosis angle, balance, fall risk, and quality of life. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024607584) and followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library up to November 2024 identified 16 eligible studies involving 757 participants and 13 orthosis types. Inclusion criteria covered clinical trials, cohort, cross-sectional, and observational studies in adults ≥60 years with hyperkyphosis, while surgical, pharmacological, and non-hyperkyphotic studies were excluded. Data were synthesized qualitatively, with balance outcomes classified as static or dynamic, and orthoses categorized by design and function. Risk of bias was assessed using PEDro and ROBINS-I. Findings suggest spinal orthoses, particularly semi-rigid devices, may reduce kyphosis angle, alleviate pain, enhance balance, and improve quality of life. Nonetheless, heterogeneity, limited blinding, and non-randomized designs reduce certainty. Further high-quality trials are warranted to strengthen evidence. No funding was received.