{"title":"Therapeutic use of the humanoid robot, Telenoid, with older adults: A critical interpretive synthesis review.","authors":"W. Moyle, J. Murfield, K. Lion","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2022.2060375","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2022.2060375","url":null,"abstract":"This review sought to critically evaluate the use of the teleoperated humanoid robotic communications device, Telenoid, for therapeutic purposes with older adults, and identify and highlight key considerations for future research and clinical practice within gerontechnology. A critical interpretive synthesis was conducted, with nine electronic databases and online sources searched using the keyword 'Telenoid'. Studies were included in the review if they were: written in English; reported primary research; employed a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method design; and described or measured effects, experiences, or perceptions of using Telenoid for therapeutic purposes with older adults. Critical engagement with the studies identified key themes, as well as opportunities to advance future research. Ten studies involving Telenoid were identified, with eight focused on older adults living with dementia. Study findings centered around two themes: effects (including positive effects and negative reactions), and challenges and considerations (including technical issues, operator training, acceptability, and dosage). Although several issues currently challenge the use of Telenoid, available studies show some therapeutic potential of using Telenoid with older adults, including those living with dementia, particularly for communication and mood. Higher-quality studies are required to advance understanding, and considerations for the field are outlined to aid development.","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":"25 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133346164","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":"Novel navigation assistive device for deaf drivers.","authors":"Mwaffaq Otoom, Mohammad A Alzubaidi, Rama Aloufee","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1712499","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1712499","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There are over 466 million people in the world with disabling hearing loss. People with severe-to-profound hearing impairment need to lipread or use sign language, even with hearing aids. Assistive Technologies play a vital role in helping these people interact efficiently with their environment. Deaf drivers are not currently able to take full advantage of voice-based navigation applications. In this paper, we describe research that is aimed at developing an assistive device that (1) recognizes voice-stream navigation instructions from GPS-based navigation applications, and (2) maps each voiced navigation instruction to a vibrotactile stimulus that can be perceived and understood by deaf drivers. A 13-element feature vector is extracted from each voice stream, and classified into one of six categories, where each category represents a unique navigation instruction. The classification of the feature vectors is done using a K-Nearest-Neighbor classifier (with an accuracy of 99.05%) which was found to outperform five other classifiers. Each category is then mapped to a unique vibration pattern, which drives vibration motors in real time. A usability study was conducted with ten participants. Three different alternatives were tested, to find the best body locations for mounting the vibration motors. The solution ultimately chosen was two sets of five vibrator motors, where each set was mounted on a bracelet. Ten drivers were asked to rate the proposed device (based on eight different factors) after they used the assistive device on 8 driving routes. The overall mean rating across all eight factors was 4.67 (out of 5) This indicates that the proposed assistive device was seen as useful and effective.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"129-139"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2020.1712499","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37520032","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}
Andrius Budrionis, Darius Plikynas, Povilas Daniušis, Audrius Indrulionis
{"title":"Smartphone-based computer vision travelling aids for blind and visually impaired individuals: A systematic review.","authors":"Andrius Budrionis, Darius Plikynas, Povilas Daniušis, Audrius Indrulionis","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1743381","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1743381","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Given the growth in the numbers of visually impaired (VI) people in low-income countries, the development of affordable electronic travel aid (ETA) systems employing devices, sensors, and apps embedded in ordinary smartphones becomes a potentially cost-effective and reasonable all-in-one solution of utmost importance for the VI. This paper offers an overview of recent ETA research prototypes that employ smartphones for assisted orientation and navigation in indoor and outdoor spaces by providing additional information about the surrounding objects. Scientific achievements in the field were systematically reviewed using PRISMA methodology. Comparative meta-analysis showed how various smartphone-based ETA prototypes could assist with better orientation, navigation, and wayfinding in indoor and outdoor environments. The analysis found limited interest among researchers in combining haptic interfaces and computer vision capabilities in smartphone-based ETAs for the blind, few attempts to employ novel state-of-the-art computer vision methods based on deep neural networks, and no evaluations of existing off-the-shelf navigation solutions. These results were contrasted with findings from a survey of blind expert users on their problems in navigating in indoor and outdoor environments. This revealed a major mismatch between user needs and academic development in the field.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"178-194"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37768035","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":"Accessibility of services in digital television for hearing impaired consumers.","authors":"Andreja Samčović","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1757786","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1757786","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper deals with the issue of the utilization of digital television for hearing impaired consumers. The necessity and different possibilities in providing of watching television services for people with the special needs have risen with the occurrence of digital television. Various access services, such as subtitles and sign language, are described in this paper. This preliminary study included a focus group of 30 deaf and hard-of-hearing respondents. The results from a discussion with subjects from a focus group through questionnaires shed light on how they address the new implications brought by digital television. The goal of this survey is to identify their attitudes toward digital television and to explore factors pertaining to their use of access services in television environment. The examination results concerning hearing impaired consumers about advantages and accessibility of the corresponding services are presented in this paper. The research presented in this paper constitutes an initial step toward a better set of facilities for deaf or hearing impaired users with the purpose of minimizing digital and social exclusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"232-241"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2020.1757786","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37856573","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":"The need for and barriers to using assistive technologies among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in China.","authors":"Lingling Deng, Prapa Rattadilok","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1757787","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1757787","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A large number of people in China have been affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). However, different factors associated with current barriers to accessing external support by ASD individuals in China have been identified. Assistive technologies are believed to help address the barriers. To obtain an in-depth understanding of the need and barriers of Chinese individuals with ASD in using assistive technologies, this study surveyed parents of ASD children, ASD professionals, as well as technology developers in the field. This study found that people in China have lower awareness and utilization of assistive technologies but similar demands for technologies when compared to those in the United Kingdom. Monitoring and informing systems, therapeutic recommendation systems and social skill training applications are major forms of assistive technologies desired by the participants in the interviews. Concerns about affordability, public exposure, confidentiality breaches and possible side-effects are considered as barriers that may prevent ASD individuals in China from using assistive technologies. The paper further discussed potential orientations of assistive technology development in China. Considering Chinese individuals may suffer intense stigma and heavy financial burden on mental disabilities, affordable mobile applications that help reduce the stigma would be more acceptable by Chinese ASD individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"242-253"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2020.1757787","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37850706","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 interactive math braille learning application to assist blind students in Bangladesh.","authors":"Lutfun Nahar, Riza Sulaiman, Azizah Jaafar","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1734112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1734112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Due to the lack of affordable assistive tools for learning mathematics, blind students in Bangladesh still use outdated learning tools like Tailor Frame. Therefore, demand for a low-cost technological tool is there that will help the blind students to learn math braille and calculate numbers more easily. To provide an effective and affordable assistive tool, this study begins with a needs assessment study to identify the basic needs of blind students in learning math braille and solving mathematical calculations. Afterward, a mobile phone based interactive assistive application is proposed to improve the learning facilities of math braille using Nemeth code for blind students in Bangladesh. Interfaces of the application are designed based on their needs. Besides, interaction methods (such as, hearing & touching) of blind students with the physical world were another criterion in designing very interactive interfaces that provide self-learning facilities. The interfaces are evaluated by the teachers, experts, and end users in order to identify the usability. The evaluation shows a promising result toward the acceptability of the designed application. Therefore, this application can be helpful for the blind students to learn math braille using Nemeth Code.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"157-169"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2020.1734112","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37675943","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}
A MacIntosh, N Vignais, V Vigneron, L Fay, A Musielak, E Desailly, E Biddiss
{"title":"The design and evaluation of electromyography and inertial biofeedback in hand motor therapy gaming.","authors":"A MacIntosh, N Vignais, V Vigneron, L Fay, A Musielak, E Desailly, E Biddiss","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1744770","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1744770","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article details the design of a co-created, evidence-based biofeedback therapy game addressing the research question: is the biofeedback implementation efficient, effective, and engaging for promoting quality movement during a therapy game focused on hand gestures? First, we engaged nine young people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) as design partners to co-create the biofeedback implementation. A commercially available, tap-controlled game was converted into a gesture-controlled game with added biofeedback. The game is controlled by forearm electromyography and inertial sensors. Changes required to integrate biofeedback are described in detail and highlight the importance of closely linking movement quality to short- and long-term game rewards. After development, 19 participants (8-17 years old) with CP played the game at home for 4 weeks. Participants played 17 ± 9 min/day, 4 ± 1 day/week. The biofeedback implementation proved efficient (i.e. participants reduced compensatory arm movements by 10.2 ± 4.0%), effective (i.e. participants made higher quality gestures over time), and engaging (i.e. participants consistently chose to review biofeedback). Participants found the game usable and enjoyable. Biofeedback design in therapy games should consider principles of motor learning, best practices in video game design, and user perspectives. Design recommendations for integrating biofeedback into therapy games are compiled in an infographic to support interdisciplinary knowledge sharing.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"213-221"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2020.1744770","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37767196","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":"The effect of horizontal forces from a Smart Walker on gait and perceived exertion.","authors":"Wen Liang Yeoh, Jeewon Choi, Ping Yeap Loh, Seiji Saito, Satoshi Muraki","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1744771","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1744771","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Increasingly, electric motors are being incorporated into wheeled walkers to implement various smart features to better assist their users physically. These modified walkers, known as Smart Walkers, use their electric motors to generate horizontal forces that can be used to reduce the physical load for walking, prevent falls and provide navigation support. However, these forces can also alter gait and may inadvertently increase the exertion of the users. This study aims to describe the effects of assistive and resistive horizontal forces (from -18.47 N to 27.70 N) from a Smart Walker on gait and perceived exertion of its users during steady-state walking. Self-selected comfortable walking speed, cadence, stride length, double support phase and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were significantly affected and different effects were found for resistive force, relatively low assistive force and high assistive force. With increasing force from -18.47 N to 0 N, RPE decreased and the users walked with lower double support time. From 0 N to 9.23 N, RPE continued to decrease to its lowest point while gait parameters remained constant. Further increasing force up to 27.70 N increased RPE and led to the users to choose to walk at higher speeds. This study demonstrates that users adapt their gait significantly to the forces applied and relatively high constant forces, whether assistive or resistive, will increase perceived exertion. Hence, these need to be carefully considered when developing Smart Walkers in order to provide safe and effective support to its users.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"204-212"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2020.1744771","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37774656","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}
Christian Werner, Athanasios C Dometios, Costas S Tzafestas, Petros Maragos, Jürgen M Bauer, Klaus Hauer
{"title":"Evaluating the task effectiveness and user satisfaction with different operation modes of an assistive bathing robot in older adults.","authors":"Christian Werner, Athanasios C Dometios, Costas S Tzafestas, Petros Maragos, Jürgen M Bauer, Klaus Hauer","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2020.1755744","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1755744","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bathing robots have the potential to foster the independence of older adults who require assistance with bathing. Making human-robot interaction (HRI) for older persons as easy, effective, and user-satisfying as possible is, however, a major challenge in the development of such robots. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness (coverage, step effectiveness) and user satisfaction (After-Scenario Questionnaire, ASQ) with three operation modes (autonomous operation, shared control, tele-manipulation) for the HRI with a bathing robot in potential users. Twenty-five older adults who require bathing assistance tested these operation modes in a water rinsing task for the upper back. Autonomous operation led to maximum effectiveness (100%), which was significantly worse in the shared control (51.6-79.4%, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.001) and tele-manipulation mode (43.9-64.4%, <i>p</i> < .001). In the user-controlled modes, effectiveness decreased with decreasing robot assistance (shared control: 51.6-79.4% vs. tele-manipulation: 43.9-64.4%, <i>p</i> = 0.009-0.016). User satisfaction with the autonomous operation (ASQ: 2.0 ± 1.0pt.) was higher than with the tele-manipulation mode (ASQ: 3.0 ± 1.4pt., <i>p</i> = 0.003) and in trend also than with the shared control mode (ASQ: 2.5 ± 1.5pt., <i>p</i> = 0.071). Our study suggests that for an effective and highly satisfying HRI with a bathing robot in older users, operation modes with high robot autonomy requiring a minimum of user input seem to be necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":282300,"journal":{"name":"Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA","volume":" ","pages":"222-231"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2022-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/10400435.2020.1755744","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37832035","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}