Jessica Steinberg, Kaitlyn Thornton, Yukina Ota, Ian Rice, Rory Cooper
{"title":"Design and user testing of a kirigami-inspired sheet metal rugby wheelchair.","authors":"Jessica Steinberg, Kaitlyn Thornton, Yukina Ota, Ian Rice, Rory Cooper","doi":"10.1177/20556683261449129","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20556683261449129","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exercise and participation in sport can have physical, psychological, and social benefits to persons with disabilities. The high cost ($5,000 to $12,000 USD) and long lead times of sport wheelchairs, however, is a barrier to participation. The objective of this study was to develop an affordable kirigami inspired rugby wheelchair made from sheet metal instead of tubes. Three prototypes of varying seat widths were designed, fabricated, and evaluated by 11 participants. Participants performed common drills in the prototype that best matched their hip width, and each provided feedback via a structured interview. The participants reported overall favorable reviews and cited the adjustability, repairability, and implications of this wheelchair on decreasing the barrier of entry to sport as its best features. Participants also identified areas for improvement, such as seat material and caster size. Future study should examine safety, durability, and performance during training and competition scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":43319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering","volume":"13 ","pages":"20556683261449129"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13158498/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147934439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Catherine Stauffer, Nathan W Brantly, Dylan W Beam, Rohit Bose, Goeran Fiedler, Lee E Fisher
{"title":"3D printing and prostheses: The current state-of-the-art and future directions.","authors":"Catherine Stauffer, Nathan W Brantly, Dylan W Beam, Rohit Bose, Goeran Fiedler, Lee E Fisher","doi":"10.1177/20556683261448197","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20556683261448197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Limb difference affects millions worldwide, with prevalence expected to rise due to increasing rates of diabetes and vascular disease. Despite the need for high-quality, functional prostheses, many individuals, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, lack access to affordable, customized prostheses. 3D printing offers a promising approach to address these gaps by enabling lower-cost, highly personalized prosthetic fabrication. This narrative review examines the current state of 3D printing in prosthetics, with a focus on upper limb prostheses, socket design, and terminal attachments. Although 3D printing has been used to produce functional prostheses, particularly in non-regulated settings, clinical adoption remains limited due to concerns regarding safety, durability, and a lack of high-quality evidence. This review highlights the advantages of 3D printing, including cost-effectiveness, customization, and accessibility, while also addressing key limitations such as material performance, regulatory challenges, and insufficient clinical validation. Future research priorities include rigorous clinical trials and performance testing to establish non-inferiority compared with conventional prostheses and to support broader clinical integration.</p>","PeriodicalId":43319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering","volume":"13 ","pages":"20556683261448197"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13158492/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147934429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparing the effect of off-loading knee brace with and without local muscle vibration on clinical and biomechanical outcomes in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis: A randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Mahsa Zangi, Mahmood Bahramizadeh, Mobina Khosravi, Farzam Farahmand, Mokhtar Arazpour, Koorosh Barati","doi":"10.1177/20556683261440481","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20556683261440481","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Medial knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease causing pain and functional impairment. Off-loading knee braces reduce pain but may decrease muscle activity, leading to weakness. Integrating local muscle vibration (LMV) into off-loading braces may enhance muscle activation and clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To design a portable LMV system synchronized with gait phases and compare its efficacy to a conventional off-loading brace in patients with medial KOA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this randomized clinical trial, 16 patients with medial KOA were assigned to either an LMV-equipped off-loading brace group or a conventional brace group for 4 weeks. Clinical outcomes (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], Visual Analog Scale [VAS]) and biomechanical parameters (knee adduction moment [KAM1, KAM2], impulse, range of motion [ROM], cadence, stride length) were assessed pre- and post-intervention using validated questionnaires and a motion analysis system.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The LMV-equipped brace group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in KAM impulse (-24.79% vs. -7.68%, p=0.050) and improved knee ROM (p=0.048) compared to the conventional brace group. Significant improvements in WOMAC (p=0.001) and VAS (p=0.011) scores were observed in the LMV group, indicating enhanced functional status and pain relief.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The LMV-equipped off-loading brace provides superior biomechanical (KAM impulse, ROM) and clinical outcomes compared to conventional braces, offering a promising intervention for medial KOA.</p>","PeriodicalId":43319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering","volume":"13 ","pages":"20556683261440481"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13110341/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147784679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Leonardo Mendes Barbosa, Thiago Fernando Lourenço, Mateus Rossato, João Otacílio Libardoni Dos Santos
{"title":"Anthropometric, muscle power and kinematic characteristics of visually impaired sprinters and their guides: Case studies.","authors":"Leonardo Mendes Barbosa, Thiago Fernando Lourenço, Mateus Rossato, João Otacílio Libardoni Dos Santos","doi":"10.1177/20556683261431332","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20556683261431332","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to characterize the anthropometric, muscle power, and kinematic profiles of visually impaired sprinters (AVI) and their guides (GA) during the 100-meter dash. Three male guide pairs participated, all with national and international experience: Pair 1: AVI (T12); Pair 2: AVI (T11); Pair 3: (T11). Assessments included: (a) anthropometry, (b) lower-limb muscle power via countermovement jump (CMJ), and (c) kinematic analysis during an official 100-meter race using a global positioning system (GPS). GAs generally exhibited greater height, body mass, and longer lower limbs compared to AVIs. Except for Pair 3, GAs demonstrated superior CMJ performance and lower-limb power output. Peak running velocity (PV) was comparable across pairs, but AVI in Pair 1 and 2 achieved PV faster than their GAs. Pair 3 displayed pronounced asymmetries in instantaneous velocity and acceleration between AVI and GA during the race. The synchronization is influenced by experience duration, anthropometric compatibility, and muscle power disparities.</p>","PeriodicalId":43319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering","volume":"13 ","pages":"20556683261431332"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13051160/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147634755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biomechanical effects of foot orthoses in children with flexible flat foot; a systematic review.","authors":"Mahsa Zangi, Mohammadyasin Taheri, Obeydollah Ahmadi, Forough Khalili Dehkordi, Arash Maleki, Mobina Khosravi","doi":"10.1177/20556683261429364","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20556683261429364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Flexible flatfoot, characterized by a collapsed medial longitudinal arch during weight-bearing, was a common pediatric condition associated with pain, balance deficits, and an increased risk of musculoskeletal complications. Foot orthoses were frequently prescribed, but their biomechanical effects in children had not been fully established. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the biomechanical effects of foot orthoses in children with flexible flatfoot.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest) were searched from inception to July 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, quasi-experimental studies, and cross-sectional studies that evaluated biomechanical outcomes of orthotic interventions. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Risk of bias was assessed using the Modified Downs and Black checklist.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-two studies (n = 844; mean age: 8.9 years; 52% male) were included. Orthoses reduced midfoot plantar pressure (up to -48.5 kPa), ankle inversion moments (-0.3 Nm/kg), and center of pressure displacement (-5 mm), while improving step length (+5 cm), balance, muscle activity, and radiographic indices (e.g., talonavicular coverage angle improved by 5°). Predictors of better outcomes included low navicular height (<1 cm), high arch index (>0.26), and higher pain scores (>3).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Foot orthoses offered measurable biomechanical benefits in pediatric flexible flatfoot. Clinical use should be individualized and guided by objective assessment. Further high-quality RCTs with standardized outcome measures and longer follow-up are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":43319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering","volume":"13 ","pages":"20556683261429364"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13009668/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pippa Bailey, Richard C Blagrove, Thomas Rietveld, Rienk M A Van Der Slikke, Vicky L Goosey-Tolfrey
{"title":"Comparative analysis of fixed and individualised speed zones for quantifying external match load in female wheelchair basketball.","authors":"Pippa Bailey, Richard C Blagrove, Thomas Rietveld, Rienk M A Van Der Slikke, Vicky L Goosey-Tolfrey","doi":"10.1177/20556683261430315","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20556683261430315","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study compared fixed and individualized speed zone methods for quantifying external match load (EML) across classification and playing levels in women's wheelchair basketball (WB) and examined their relationship with internal match load (IML) measures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>EML of 31 well trained female players (age: 28 ± 7 years, experience: 11 ± 5 years, weekly training: 12 ± 4 h) were quantified across 13 international (INT) and 5 Women's Premier League (WPL) games using two inertial measurement units. A linear mixed model compared the percentage time in fixed and individualized speed zones and correlations with IML (eTRIMP, sRPE) using Pearson and Spearman Rho.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Individualized zones recorded more time (10%) in low speed (Z3) and less time (0.3-5.9%) in moderate to very high-speed zones (Z4-Z6) versus fixed (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). Differences and effect sizes were greater in INT games (+0.8-1.1 pp) and highest classifications (+9.5 pp). Both methods correlated poorly with IML, except weak Z3 correlations at the INT level (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.020).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Speed zone method influences high-intensity movement assessments, varying by playing level and classification. Neither method optimally related to IML, highlighting the need for calibrated, consistent thresholds.</p>","PeriodicalId":43319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering","volume":"13 ","pages":"20556683261430315"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12982848/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147469659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gwendolyn R Retzinger, Wendy T Pham, Blake A Bingham, Kayla E Hori, Jacob W Hinkel-Lipsker
{"title":"Overground to omnidirectional: Spatiotemporal and muscle activation pattern adaptations across walking modalities, virtual reality, and pace constraints.","authors":"Gwendolyn R Retzinger, Wendy T Pham, Blake A Bingham, Kayla E Hori, Jacob W Hinkel-Lipsker","doi":"10.1177/20556683261433969","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20556683261433969","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rapid expansion of virtual reality (VR) technology has led to the development of low-friction, slip-style omnidirectional treadmills (OTs), which have great promise for implementation into VR-based gait rehabilitation protocols. However, previous work indicates that use of these treadmills leads to unique gait patterns that may differ from overground gait, and there is a lack of research examining how OT gait differs from a conventional, belt-driven treadmill (CT). Thus, the purpose of this study was to characterize spatiotemporal and electromyographic gait patterns on an OT and to compare them with overground and CT walking. Fourteen healthy participants walked in these three conditions in both the real-world and in VR, as well as at fixed and preferred paces. Results indicate that use of the CT promoted significantly longer stride lengths (mean = 1.838 m) and reduced variability (coefficient of variation (CV) = 14.7%) compared to overground walking (mean = 1.578 m, CV = 21.4%). Moreover, the use of CT in VR at a fixed pace led to reduced biceps femoris (CV = 20.4%) and medial gastrocnemius (CV = 14.9%) variability compared to overground walking (biceps femoris CV = 26.4%, medial gastrocnemius CV = 22.2%), while use of the OT demonstrated variability similar to that of overground walking across measures. These results indicate that the user-driven aspect of OTs may elicit gait patterns more similar to overground walking than traditional belt-driven treadmills.</p>","PeriodicalId":43319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering","volume":"13 ","pages":"20556683261433969"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12972554/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Patterns and unmet needs in wheelchair utilization: A mixed-method study of user experience at a tertiary hospital in India.","authors":"Jain Srishti, Bansal Avijit, Handa Gita","doi":"10.1177/20556683251397326","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20556683251397326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>The study investigated the present state of awareness, unmet needs, and barriers faced by participants using wheelchairs in a tertiary care hospital in India.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This sequential explanatory mixed-method study explored the participants' experiences in two parts. Part one presents the result analysis of user experience and wheelchair service provision using rATA (n=100). Part two presents a thematic analysis of 100 in-depth semi-structured interviews.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The study and interviews define barriers to wheelchair access provision, including assessment, prescription, customization, training, wheelchair maintenance, and follow-up. The study reported that most participants procured their wheelchairs from the private sector (35%) while 10% received them from the public sector. The main reasons for not having the appropriate wheelchair were affordability (78%), lack of support (64%), and lack of awareness (41%), while road/transport accessibility (63%) and home accessibility (53%) were the main obstacles for the wheelchair non-use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study provided insights into wheelchair provision and user satisfaction within healthcare delivery system. Integration of Wheelchair service and delivery into the health care system can strengthen the rehabilitation health system per the WHO guidelines.</p>","PeriodicalId":43319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering","volume":"13 ","pages":"20556683251397326"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12949313/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Inderjeet Singh, Alexandra Jamieson, Yixin Gu, Muthu B J Wijesundara
{"title":"Characterization and control of air cell cushion behavior in different environments.","authors":"Inderjeet Singh, Alexandra Jamieson, Yixin Gu, Muthu B J Wijesundara","doi":"10.1177/20556683261421166","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20556683261421166","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Air cell cushions are widely used in wheelchair seating and medical support surfaces to reduce interface pressure and prevent pressure injuries. Their effectiveness depends on maintaining proper internal air pressure, which can fluctuate with environmental changes such as temperature and atmospheric pressure. These fluctuations pose a risk in clinical and transport settings where cushions may be exposed to extreme conditions. This study examines the behavior of air cell cushions made from silicone, polyurethane, and TPU-coated fabric under different environmental conditions. Using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm, we regulated the internal air-cell pressure to remain constant under changing temperature (15-35 °C) and atmospheric pressure (101-75 kPa) conditions. Results indicate that the cushion material significantly influences pressure stability, with TPU-coated fabric being the most sensitive to environmental changes. Applying the closed-loop control algorithm, it is possible to maintain the set pressure within ±0.05 kPa regardless of the cushion material, loading conditions, and environmental variations.</p>","PeriodicalId":43319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering","volume":"13 ","pages":"20556683261421166"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12876647/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146143980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Juliette Boucher Grenon, Charles Doyon, Thierry Laliberté, Alexandre Campeau-Lecours
{"title":"Design of a low-cost mechanical 3D-Printed hand orthosis for grasping assistance in activities of daily living.","authors":"Juliette Boucher Grenon, Charles Doyon, Thierry Laliberté, Alexandre Campeau-Lecours","doi":"10.1177/20556683261422642","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20556683261422642","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The ability to grasp objects has a significant impact on the independence of individuals following a stroke, a spinal cord injury, or for those who are living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In most cases, physical rehabilitation is not sufficient to regain the hand function necessary for day-to-day life. Hand orthoses capable of providing grasping assistance in activities of daily living are therefore crucial to a more independent lifestyle. However, most available options struggle to offer an acceptable balance between cost, size, weight and functionality, resulting in limited use in practice. This article presents a low-cost, 3D-printed hand orthosis that relies solely on mechanical elements to aid in finger flexion. An underactuated, flexible design for the fingers with nylon strips as spring blades was used to achieve a design that costs only 27% of the price of comparable commercially available options, as well as being very lightweight and easily customizable. It was also demonstrated that rigid thumb supports allowed the orthosis to be used in the majority of daily grasping tasks. Finally, the use of the proposed mechanism was shown to be able to provide up to 4 N of flexion assistance to the finger when using a medium wrap grip.</p>","PeriodicalId":43319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering","volume":"13 ","pages":"20556683261422642"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12873083/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146144043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}