Assistive Technology最新文献

In Brazil, despite the availability of services for the provision of assistive products, various barriers still hinder their acquisition. Aligned with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the TeiA website prototype was developed. The purpose of this website is to improve accessibility to assistive products through donations and to facilitate communication between users, the community, and healthcare services nationwide. The aim of this study is to describe the development of the TeiA website prototype using a prototyping method based on the principles of universal design and web accessibility. The development process comprised three stages: (1) defining the website's purpose, (2) incorporating content, and (3) developing the functional structure and implementing access pages. The TeiA website prototype (http://www.teiabrasil.com/) includes eight access pages designed to facilitate the donation of assistive products and provide related information. The pages feature a high-contrast background to enhance the visibility of videos in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), which include translations of the site's content. The TeiA website has the potential to significantly promote opportunities for people with disabilities by providing accessible information and facilitating access to assistive products. Future studies will conduct validation testing with information technology specialists and users.

There is need for innovative approaches in the production of assistive devices. This study aimed to examine the effects of a Three-Dimensional (3D) Printed Assistive Technology Intervention. Twelve older adults (mean age of 67.83 ± 2.72 years) participated in the study. Assistive devices were designed using a 3D printer. The participants completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and the Lawton-Brody IADL scale. Also they completed the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to evaluate their satisfaction with the 3D printed assistive device. The participants' mean satisfaction score with the assistive devices was found to be 7.00 ± 1.12. After the intervention, significant improvements were observed in the COPM performance subscale (p = 0.016), the FIM motor subscale (p = 0.012), the FIM total score (p = 0.018), and the Lawton-Brody IADL Index (p = 0.024). However, no significant changes were detected in the COPM satisfaction subscale (p = 0.094) or the FIM cognitive subscale (p = 0.069). This study suggest that economically feasible and easily accessible 3D printed assistive devices may serve as an effective alternative to enhance the occupational performance and independence of older adults.

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.

This study aimed to review the application of commercial smartwatches as a tool for monitoring health and exercise variables and the accuracy of their measurements, with users being people with physical disabilities who use manual wheelchairs. The searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEEXplore. Studies were included regardless of experimental design as long as they involved people with physical disability or without any physical disabilities who used manual wheelchairs in evaluations with commercial smartwatches. Thirteen studies were included in the review. Overall, there was no consensus on the accuracy of wheelchair-related measurements, such as physical tests and daily activities, with only the Apple Watch® Series 1 and 4 and the Fitbit Charge 2® providing acceptable information. Regarding the physiological measurements offered by smartwatches during physical evaluations, only the Xiaomi Mi Band 5® provided reliable heart rate readings. Additionally, the Apple Watch® Series 5 did not demonstrate sufficient sensitivity to detect falls from the wheelchair. Finally, despite these limitations, commercial smartwatches are seen as a promising tool for self-care and increased autonomy. However, restrictions must be considered, especially in contexts where movements are subtle or gradual, and they should not be used for clinical purposes or disease diagnosis.

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.

Meeting rehabilitation intensity goals in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit is a constant challenge due to staffing and budget constraints, a situation further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To bridge the gap, speech-language pathologists often provide independent practice (traditionally paper and pen exercises and more recently tablet-based); however, patients can have trouble completing these programs independently. Caregivers can help but may be overwhelmed during the inpatient rehabilitation process. In this case study, we enlisted student volunteers from a local health-related program to offer individualized supplemental tablet-based aphasia practice as an adjunct to standard therapy with a speech-language pathologist for people with aphasia. Five adults with aphasia (2 women and 3 men; aged 37 to 80, mean age 58.2) were admitted to an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit and received supervised sessions during off-therapy hours. Participants attended 57/62 (91.9%) of available sessions, ranging from 5 to 24 sessions per participant. Mean session duration per participant ranged from 56 to 92 minutes. All student volunteers remained engaged over 5 months with no attrition. This program shows that volunteers can support the delivery of a tablet-based program as an adjunct to conventional aphasia therapy to boost rehabilitation intensity during an inpatient stroke rehabilitation admission. [198 words].

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.

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.

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.