Efficiency and Quality-of-Life in Using an Eye-Controlled Wheelchair: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Mostly, paralysis individuals are incapable of controlling an electric wheelchair using a usual method that can be a joystick, pressing the key buttons available on the controller to move the wheelchair depending on the level of paralysis. In such a case, an eye-controlled wheelchair can be utilized as it functions to facilitate mobility assistance for paralyzed or elderly individuals with limited movements within their natural environment. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the efficiency and quality-of-life of the subjects after using the eye-controlled wheelchair. Method: This case study is participated by 2 paraplegic neurological disorder patients from a local home-care setting. To achieve the research aim, online questionnaires via Google Form were administered verbally after the researcher’s eye-controlled wheelchair usage and subjects’ feedback was filled. The total workload needed for wheelchair usage was measured using the NASA-TLX tool, and, a self-designed questionnaire was developed and validated (face and content validation) before the commencement of the study to measure subjective quality-of-life. Results: In this research, it is found that low exhaustion levels were achieved as a result of low subjective workload when using the eye-controlled wheelchair. Plus, there was a positive correlation between quality-of-life and total subjective workload. Conclusion: The eye-controlled wheelchair is efficient to use and demonstrated that there is a positive impact on paraplegic patients’ quality-of-life to a certain extent even for short-term usage.