Libak Abou, Alexander Fliflet, Lina Hawari, Peter Presti, Jacob J Sosnoff, Harshal P Mahajan, Mikaela L Frechette, Laura A Rice
{"title":"Sensitivity of Apple Watch fall detection feature among wheelchair users.","authors":"Libak Abou, Alexander Fliflet, Lina Hawari, Peter Presti, Jacob J Sosnoff, Harshal P Mahajan, Mikaela L Frechette, Laura A Rice","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2021.1923087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.1923087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A reliable fall detection device is crucial to minimize long-term consequences of falls among wheelchair users. This study examines the sensitivity of Apple Watch to detect intentional falls from a wheelchair. Twenty-five able bodied (age: 21.9 ± 2.5 years) participated in a protocol in which they intentionally fell out of a wheelchair in a laboratory setting. Each participant wore an Apple Watch Series 5 and performed 3 falls in the forward, right and left sideways, and backward directions onto a crash pad totaling 12 falls each. The Apple Watch was manually checked after each fall to determine if the device registered a fall. From 300 fall trials captured, the Apple Watch detected 14 falls showing a sensitivity of 4.7%, a false negative rate of 95.3%. Logistic regression showed that participant's height, impact force, lower limb functioning, and fall direction are parameters that may influence the ability of the Apple Watch to detect falls from a wheelchair. The Apple Watch fall detection feature presented with a very poor sensitivity to detect intentional falls from a wheelchair among able bodied young adults. Due to the high incidence and consequences of falls, a reliable fall detection device specific for wheelchair users is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"619-625"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2021.1923087","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38830678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chris McGibbon, Andrew Sexton, Arun Jayaraman, Susan Deems-Dluhy, Eric Fabara, Catherine Adans-Dester, Paolo Bonato, Francois Marquis, Sylvie Turmel, Etienne Belzile
{"title":"Evaluation of a lower-extremity robotic exoskeleton for people with knee osteoarthritis.","authors":"Chris McGibbon, Andrew Sexton, Arun Jayaraman, Susan Deems-Dluhy, Eric Fabara, Catherine Adans-Dester, Paolo Bonato, Francois Marquis, Sylvie Turmel, Etienne Belzile","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2021.1887400","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.1887400","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A multi-site study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the Keeogo™ exoskeleton as a mobility assist device for use in the clinic and at home in people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Twenty-four participants were randomized in a two-stage cross-over design that evaluated the immediate effects of using the exoskeleton in the clinic and the cumulative effects of training and home use. Immediate effects were quantified by comparing 1) physical performance with|without (W|WO) the device during a battery of mobility tests, and 2) physical activity levels at home (actigraphy) for one month, two weeks W|WO the device. Cumulative effects were quantified as change in physical performance W and WO over time. WOMAC and other self-report scales were measured and usability assessed. There were no immediate effects on physical performance or physical activity at home; however, there were cumulative effects as indicated by improved stair time (<i>p</i> = .001) as well as improved WOMAC pain (<i>p</i> = .004) and function (<i>p</i> = .003). There was a direct relationship between improved physical function and improved WOMAC pain (r = -.677, <i>p</i> < .001) and stiffness (r = .537, <i>p</i> = .007). Weight and battery life were identified as important to usability. A full-scale RCT with more participants, longer study period, and better usage monitoring is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"543-556"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2021.1887400","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"25359663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carl Halladay Abraham, Bert Boadi-Kusi, Enyam Komla Amewuho Morny, Prince Agyekum
{"title":"Smartphone usage among people living with severe visual impairment and blindness.","authors":"Carl Halladay Abraham, Bert Boadi-Kusi, Enyam Komla Amewuho Morny, Prince Agyekum","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2021.1907485","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.1907485","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Low vision care and rehabilitation is often limited by access to assistive devices, especially in low-resourced countries, due to their high cost and unavailability. Smartphones have the potential to serve as an alternative assistive device for people living with severe visual impairment and blindness (SVIB). This study aims to investigate the use of smartphones among people living with SVIB. The study was a cross-sectional study of 166 people living with SVIB in a low resourced setting. The participants were recruited from two tertiary institutions and four eye care facilities. A questionnaire was administered to all respondents and for those who could not read prints they were read out to them and their responses recorded. The majority of respondents (n = 88, 53.1%) either had no phone or used a basic phone. The prevalence of smartphone usage among people living with SVIB was found to be 46.90% (n = 78). Most respondents use their smartphones to interact on social media [n = 75 (96%)] and web browsing [n = 69,92%]. The most frequently demanded [n = 22 (44%)] smartphone functionality by the respondents was the image and color description feature. Most participants were unaware that 90% of their functionality demands already existed and were compatible with current smartphones. A significant number of people living with SVIB in this study used smartphones; however, most users are unaware of its full functionality and assistive capabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"611-618"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2021.1907485","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"25511859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Conversation turns and speaking roles contributed by Mandarin Chinese dyadic conversations between adults who use speech-generating devices and adults who use natural speech.","authors":"Meng-Ju Tsai, Yu-Chun Chih","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2021.1893234","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.1893234","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Few studies have critically examined contributed conversation turns and speaking roles in dyadic Mandarin Chinese conversations between adults who use natural speech and adults who use SGDs. An analysis of conversation turns considers how conversation participants co-construct conversation processes, whereas an analysis of speaking roles considers how conversation participants co-construct conversation contents. The purpose of the current study was to explore the quantitative contributions of conversation turns and speaking roles in familiar Mandarin Chinese conversation dyads between adults who use SGDs and adults who use natural speech. Five dyads were recruited, and each dyad contained two participants; an adult using an SGD and an adult using natural speech. Each dyadic conversation was individually video-recorded for about 20 minutes, six times. A total of 30 dyadic conversations were analyzed. The means and percentages of the coded conversation turns and speaking roles were computed. Quantitatively asymmetrical contributions of conversation turns and speaking roles occurred in the Mandarin Chinese conversation dyads between the adults who use SGDs and the adults who use natural speech. The adults who use natural speech contributed significantly more conversation turns and speaking roles than did the adults who use SGDs. Implications, limitations, and further research studies were discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"563-576"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2021.1893234","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"25392968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuko Nishiura, Misato Nihei, Kana Takaeda, Takenobu Inoue
{"title":"Comprehensible instructions from assistive robots for older adults with or without cognitive impairment.","authors":"Yuko Nishiura, Misato Nihei, Kana Takaeda, Takenobu Inoue","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2021.1893236","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.1893236","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to reveal comprehensible instructions from an assistive robot for older adults, across cognitive levels and characteristics. Participants included 19 older adults with or without cognitive impairment. We administered cognitive tests assessing all major domains (e.g., memory and attention). Participants were required to listen to robot instructions carefully, and perform three activities of daily living (e.g., taking medicine) with three different types of instructions. In instruction pattern 1 (IP1), the robot informed seniors of the task in one sentence, while in instruction patterns 2 and 3 (IP2 and IP3), the steps of each activity were split into two and three sentences, respectively. Participants with lower cognitive level showed lower task performance with IP1, whereas almost all participants completed tasks with IP2 and IP3. Cognitive domains such as working memory significantly affected task performances. Participants with lower attention made mistakes in taking their medicine. The results imply that step-by-step instructions should be used for older people with lower levels of cognitive function, especially working memory, and repeated instructions may be required for lower attention. Types of instruction should be selected depending on cognitive characteristics.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"557-562"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2021.1893236","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"25393653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Suraj Singh Senjam, Allen Foster, Covadonga Bascaran
{"title":"Assistive technology for visual impairment and trainers at schools for the blind in Delhi.","authors":"Suraj Singh Senjam, Allen Foster, Covadonga Bascaran","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1839144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1839144","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of the study was to assess the availability of assistive technology (AT) for visual impairment and trainers in schools for the blind in Delhi. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 22 of the 24 schools in Delhi. The headteacher of each school was asked about availability of 52 ATs divided into writing, reading, math, sciences, sports, mobility, and daily living, using a questionnaire. Information on availability of trainers was also collected. Of the 52 ATs, the most frequently available were Braille slate with stylus and abacus (>90% of schools), followed by Taylor frame, long cane and talking watch (80% to 90% of schools). Only 11 of 52 AT devices were available in 60% or more of the schools. Tactile-based ATs were more available than vision-based ATs. In the 22 schools, 63 trainers for reading & writing were available (80% of posts), 18 for sciences (59%), 25 for math (70%), and 11 for mobility (50% of posts). Except Braille slate and stylus, there is a huge shortage of AT in these schools. The educational needs and performance of students could be helped by developing and using a list of priority Assistive Products for example, the WHO AP list.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"418-422"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2020.1839144","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38617572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Desiree Latella, Maria Grazia Maggio, Giuseppa Maresca, Adriana Andaloro, Smeralda Anchesi, Valentina Pajno, Rosaria De Luca, Giuseppe Di Lorenzo, Alfredo Manuli, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
{"title":"Effects of domotics on cognitive, social and personal functioning in patients with Parkinson's disease: A pilot study.","authors":"Desiree Latella, Maria Grazia Maggio, Giuseppa Maresca, Adriana Andaloro, Smeralda Anchesi, Valentina Pajno, Rosaria De Luca, Giuseppe Di Lorenzo, Alfredo Manuli, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1846095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1846095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Home automation (HA) is either a \"smart\" house or a supportive environment, which enables the patients to regain an active role in daily life. HA could allow people affected by Parkinson Disease (PD) to better manage their daily lives. This study aims to evaluate the effects of domotics on quality of life, and personal/social autonomy in PD patients. We enrolled 40 with PD undergoing neurorehabilitation, who were randomized into either the control (CG) or the experimental group (EG). Two different rehabilitative approaches were used: the CG was submitted to a traditional training, whilst the EG underwent HA training, in which the activities were carried out through the use of assistive technologies. In both the training, the exercises were performed in small samples of 3-5 patients. Results showed that both CG and EG had a significant improvement in global cognitive functioning, executive functions, and instrumental autonomy. However, only in the EG, we observed a significant increase in social adaptation, activities of daily living and quality of life. This pilot study suggests that HA training could be a useful tool for the rehabilitation of patients with PD, improving social and cognitive functioning, personal autonomy and quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"423-428"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2020.1846095","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38736805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An intelligent indoor guidance and navigation system for the visually impaired.","authors":"M Kahraman, C Turhan","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2021.1872738","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.1872738","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intelligent guidance in complex environments where various procedures are required for navigation is critical to achieving mobility for the visually impaired. This study presents a newly developed software prototype with a hybrid RFID/BLE infrastructure to provide intelligent navigation and guidance to the visually impaired in complex indoor environments. The system enables the users to input their purpose via a specially designed user interface, and provides intelligent guidance through a chain of destination targets which are determined according to the inherent procedures of the environment. Path optimization is performed by adaptation of the traveling salesman problem, and real-time instantaneous instructions are provided to guide the users through the predetermined destination points. For evaluation purposes, a hospital environment is constructed as an example of a complex environment and the system is tested by visually impaired participants. The results show that the intelligent purpose selection and destination evaluation mechanism modules of the system are found to be effective by all the participants.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"478-486"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2021.1872738","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38838084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sunny Pointer: Designing a mouse pointer for people with peripheral vision loss.","authors":"Maxime Ambard","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2021.1872735","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2021.1872735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We introduce here a new mouse cursor designed to facilitate the use of the mouse by people with peripheral vision loss. The pointer consists of a collection of converging straight lines covering the whole screen and following the position of the mouse cursor. We measured its positive effects in a group of participants with peripheral vision loss of different kinds and found that it can reduce by a factor of seven the time required to complete a targeting task using the mouse. Using eye tracking, we show that this system makes it possible to initiate the movement toward the target without having to precisely locate the mouse pointer. Using Fitts' Law, we compare these performances with those of full visual field users in order to understand the relation between the accuracy of the estimated mouse cursor position and the index of performance obtained with our tool.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"454-467"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2021.1872735","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38838086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Portable rehabilitation system with brain-computer interface for inpatients with acute and subacute stroke: A feasibility study.","authors":"Yasunari Hashimoto, Toshiyuki Kakui, Junichi Ushiba, Meigen Liu, Kyousuke Kamada, Tetsuo Ota","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1836067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1836067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The feasibility and safety of brain-computer interface (BCI) systems for patients with acute/subacute stroke have not been established. The aim of this study was to firstly demonstrate the feasibility and safety of a bedside BCI system for inpatients with acute/subacute stroke in a small cohort of inpatients. Four inpatients with early-phase hemiplegic stroke (7-24 days from stroke onset) participated in this study. The portable BCI system showed real-time feedback of sensorimotor rhythms extracted from scalp electroencephalograms (EEGs). Patients attempted to extend the wrist on their affected side, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation was applied only when the system detected significant movement intention-related changes in EEG. Between 120 and 200 training trials per patient were successfully and safely conducted at the bedside over 2-4 days. Our results clearly indicate that the proposed bedside BCI system is feasible and safe. Larger clinical studies are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of the system and its effect size in the population of patients with acute/subacute post-stroke hemiplegia.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"402-410"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2020.1836067","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38512947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}