Elizabeth Mc Guinness, Dilisha Patel, Mikaela Patrick, Victoria Austin
{"title":"Outcomes of assistive technology use by sex and gender; a scoping review.","authors":"Elizabeth Mc Guinness, Dilisha Patel, Mikaela Patrick, Victoria Austin","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2516615","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2516615","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This paper synthesises evidence on the influence of sex and gender on assistive technology (AT) outcomes, recognising AT as a tool for enabling participatory rights.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Employing a narrative synthesis informed by the socio-ecological model, we undertook a scoping review of sixty-six papers, identifying twenty-two with significant sex or gender associations.</p><p><strong>Results and conclusions: </strong>Findings revealed that gender bias in AT design correlated with diminished individual-level outcomes for women. Ableist stereotypes, exemplified by the neglect of disabled mothers' needs, were evident. Furthermore, inaccessible built environments amplified gendered ableism. To mitigate design bias, a greater emphasis on physiological sex differences and their impact on AT use is crucial. Attending to sex and gender dynamics in AT design and provision is essential for maximising benefits across genders. Future research and synthesis should incorporate other health determinants to provide a more comprehensive understanding of AT outcomes. Ultimately, addressing these factors is vital for equitable AT access and utilisation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-25"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144310604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jason C Stanton, Nicole L Peel, Caroline J Mills, Paul P Breen
{"title":"Potential of phase-based ranging as an abscondment sensor for children with autism.","authors":"Jason C Stanton, Nicole L Peel, Caroline J Mills, Paul P Breen","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2510434","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2510434","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study addresses the critical unmet need for abscondment detection systems to enhance community access and safety for children with autism. We present the development of a proof-of-concept device that identifies user needs, establishes testing methodologies, and explores the technical challenges in creating a practical solution. Through a structured approach, user requirements and device specifications were established, leading to the creation of a phase-based 2.4 GHz distance-ranging prototype. A series of laboratory-based verification experiments demonstrated significant performance improvements using filtering and alert-triggering mechanisms to mitigate the limitations of phase-based ranging. Although body obstruction remains a challenge, this can potentially be addressed through further co-design with end users. The user-centered design process and experimental framework outlined in this work provide a valuable foundation for researchers seeking to advance abscondment detection technologies for children with autism.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144276315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saroosh Bilal, Jorge Rebate, David M Jacobs, Verónica Sevillano
{"title":"Hotel stays of individuals with a visual impairment: a qualitative study with a focus on sensory substitution.","authors":"Saroosh Bilal, Jorge Rebate, David M Jacobs, Verónica Sevillano","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2511982","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2511982","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sensory substitution devices (SSDs) hold the potential to assist individuals with a visual impairment with actions such as navigation and orientation. Even so, SSDs are not frequently used in everyday life. The lack of user involvement in the development of SSDs may be among the reasons for this discrepancy. To remedy the gap, this study explores the challenges that are encountered by individuals with a visual impairment in a situation in which SSDs may be particularly useful: the hotel environment. Semi-structured interviews conducted with eight individuals revealed three main themes: navigation and orientation challenges and strategies, wayfinding aids, and user needs. The findings highlight substantial challenges due to accessibility, localization, spatial configuration, obstacles, and dependency on others. Navigation strategies employed by the individuals included exploration, the use of mental maps, environmental cues, and asking for spatial directions. Whereas SSDs were considered to have future potential, issues of precision and information overload were common concerns. The study revealed a need of individuals for autonomy, control, and sociability, which is in line with the basic human needs proposed by Deci and Ryan in their self-determination theory. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of tailoring SSDs to the specific challenges that are encountered by individuals with a visual impairment. Furthermore, it is important to consider SSDs in the broader context of the needs of individuals, because the satisfaction of needs promotes people's well-being and motivation to use SSDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Patricia West, Lorraine Robbins, Sarah N Douglas, Charles Given, Barry DeCicco, Dola Pathak, Gwen Wyatt
{"title":"Family functioning among adolescents with developmental disabilities utilizing augmentative and alternative communication.","authors":"Patricia West, Lorraine Robbins, Sarah N Douglas, Charles Given, Barry DeCicco, Dola Pathak, Gwen Wyatt","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2516623","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2516623","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Family involvement is critical for adolescents with developmental disabilities and complex communication needs; especially for adolescents requiring augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This study aimed to examine the relationship between parental and adolescent characteristics and family functioning across three groups of families based on the frequency of adolescents' use of AAC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included families of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or Down syndrome (DS) who use AAC. A family consisted of at least one parent or guardian and an adolescent. Families enrolled in the study through online recruitment registries, support organizations, and social media.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 227 families (parent as proxy) completed an online survey, which included the Family Impact of Assistive Technology Scale for AAC (FIATS-ACC) measure. The FIATS-ACC scores across the three usage groups (high, moderate, low) were compared. Parental/adolescent characteristics associated with family functioning included parental employment and education, parent age, adolescent communication function, and type of AAC device. Communication function emerged as the only predictor of family functioning. The mean unadjusted family functioning score for the high-usage group was significantly higher than both the low- and moderate-usage groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings provide insights into at-risk families and imply the need for individualized family interventions to optimize outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of virtual reality on participation in children with developmental coordination disorder: randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Zeynep Kolit, Sedef Şahin","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2516625","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2516625","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to investigate the effect of Virtual Reality (VR), in addition to traditional occupational therapy (TOT), on participation patterns and environmental factors in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study included 42 children aged 6 to 9, who were randomly assigned to two groups: a study group that received VR intervention in addition to TOT, and a control group that received only TOT. Both interventions were carried out twice a week for 8 weeks, totaling 16 sessions. Participants were evaluated pre- and post- intervention using the Participation and Environment Measure Children and Youth to assess participation patterns and environmental factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in participation patterns and environmental factors across home and school settings, as well as in frequency and desire for change in the community setting(<i>p</i> < 0,05). In the control group, a significant effect was found only for desire for change and environmental barriers in the home environment (<i>p</i> < 0,05). The findings revealed strong effects (<i>d</i> > 0,8) in the study group, whereas no strong effects were observed in the control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The addition of VR to the TOT intervention demonstrated superior effects on participation patterns and environmental factors in children with DCD.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ann-Christine Persson, Gunnel Janeslätt, Johan Borg, Lena Dahlberg, Kevin J McKee, Monika Löfgren, Marika C Möller
{"title":"The potential of time-assistive products to improve daily time management in persons with dementia: a randomised controlled trial.","authors":"Ann-Christine Persson, Gunnel Janeslätt, Johan Borg, Lena Dahlberg, Kevin J McKee, Monika Löfgren, Marika C Möller","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2514546","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2514546","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of time-assistive products in supporting persons with mild to moderate dementia to achieve their time-related activity goals given their time processing ability.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A multicentre single-blinded randomised controlled intervention study. A total of 73 persons with mild to moderate dementia aged ≥60 years were recruited through memory clinics across Sweden, of which 57 completed the three-month follow-up (intervention group <i>n</i> = 26, waiting list control group <i>n</i> = 31). The intervention group received individually prescribed time-assistive products. The primary outcome measure was the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Comparative analyses were done of the differences in COPM ratings at baseline and after three months within and between groups. KaTid-Senior was used to measure time processing ability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After three months, COPM ratings, adjusted for time processing ability, had significantly improved in the intervention group regarding satisfaction with performance (<i>p</i> = .028, <math><mrow><mrow><msubsup><mrow><mi>η</mi></mrow><mi>p</mi><mn>2</mn></msubsup></mrow></mrow></math> = 0.09) but not for performance (<i>p</i> = .053, <math><mrow><mrow><msubsup><mrow><mi>η</mi></mrow><mi>p</mi><mn>2</mn></msubsup></mrow></mrow></math> = 0.07). The change from the ratings at baseline to the ratings at 3 months was clinically significant in the intervention group as their improvement exceeded 2 points on a 10-point scale both for performance (mean 2.8, CI 1.8-3.7) and satisfaction with performance (mean 3.4, CI 2.3-4.6).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Prescription of time-assistive products can support persons with mild to moderate dementia in their daily time management in relation to individual time-related goals. However, given the weak evidence base, further research is needed on the effectiveness of time-based assistive products for persons with dementia.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hein J Lucassen, Erik C Prinsen, Malte Asseln, Reinout O van Vliet, Gabriëlle J M Tuijthof
{"title":"Assistive devices for ALS patients: exploring wishes and values through focus groups.","authors":"Hein J Lucassen, Erik C Prinsen, Malte Asseln, Reinout O van Vliet, Gabriëlle J M Tuijthof","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2516628","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2516628","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease leading to loss of muscle strength and control, and as such limiting patients' independence. Assistive devices can help individuals with ALS; however, their use by ALS patients is limited. To increase use rates, we expect that devices need to be tailored to ALS patients. The aim of this study was to identify wishes, requirements and values of ALS patients regarding assistive devices for the upper extremity through focus groups involving ALS patients, their relatives and medical professionals.</p><p><strong>Methods and materials: </strong>Four focus groups were conducted, recorded and transcribed. Two focus groups with ALS patients and their relatives contained a \"Day in a Life\" and \"Empathy map\" method, while during two focus groups with medical professionals, \"Day in the Life\" method and \"Provoking statements\" were used. Activities mentioned were counted and categorized into \"Daily activities\" and \"Elective activities\".</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Qualitative analysis of transcripts yielded three themes: (1) ALS patients' considerations on use and wishes for assistive devices, (2) external factors influencing the use of assistive devices and (3) change in ALS patients' needs over time. In addition to maintaining independence in activities of daily living, the results highlight that retaining the ability to perform elective activities such as hobbies, is important. Moreover, there is a clear need for assistive devices designed for ALS patients with limited upper extremity strength, but who are not confined to a wheelchair.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings can guide the development of assistive devices tailored to the needs of ALS patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Benjamin T Sharpe, Rachel King, Moitree Banerjee, Simeon Keates, Ian Tyndall, Paul Kooner-Evans, Lana Sivyer, Ellie Cotten, Emmanuel Obine, Naji Tabet, Itamar Ronen, Natasha Davies, Isla Lewis, Sally Tabbner, Tim Wilkins, Antonina Pereira
{"title":"Experiences of individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers regarding independence-enhancing technologies: focus group insights.","authors":"Benjamin T Sharpe, Rachel King, Moitree Banerjee, Simeon Keates, Ian Tyndall, Paul Kooner-Evans, Lana Sivyer, Ellie Cotten, Emmanuel Obine, Naji Tabet, Itamar Ronen, Natasha Davies, Isla Lewis, Sally Tabbner, Tim Wilkins, Antonina Pereira","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2511996","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2511996","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored the views and opinions of individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and healthcare professionals on assistive technologies that facilitate independent living. Using a qualitative approach, the researchers conducted focus groups with 35 participants in England. Findings revealed both the benefits and limitations of technologies like medication management devices, activities of daily living aids, GPS tracking, and smart home systems. While participants recognized the potential to enhance independence and safety, they highlighted usability, reliability, and technological failure as significant challenges. The complexity of digital interfaces and the cognitive demands of online interactions emerged as key barriers. Participants expressed a strong desire for more adaptive, user-friendly, and responsive technologies. The study underscores the importance of user-centered design and collaboration between developers, caregivers, and people living with dementia. By addressing the identified issues, future assistive technologies can improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. These insights can guide the development of more effective, accessible, and ethical assistive technologies in dementia care.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144259123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Somayeh Norouzi-Ghazbi, Andresa R Marinho-Buzelli, Roger Goldstein, Jan Andrysek, Sander L Hitzig
{"title":"Implementation considerations for a telerehabilitation system to improve patients' adherence to home-based physical exercises: a qualitative study.","authors":"Somayeh Norouzi-Ghazbi, Andresa R Marinho-Buzelli, Roger Goldstein, Jan Andrysek, Sander L Hitzig","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2511986","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2511986","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Physiotherapists often prescribe home exercise programmes (HEP) to aid in the recovery of their clients with disabilities, which are often poorly adhered to by clients, and can lead to poor clinical outcomes. To improve HEP adherence, our team has proposed a gamification-based telerehabilitation system, which integrates gaming elements (e.g., challenges, rewards, and interactive features) with remote monitoring and guidance from physiotherapists. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes, preferences, and experiences of both clients and physiotherapists with gamification-based telerehabilitation solutions as a means to improve clients' adherence to HEP. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with clients who underwent physical therapy within the past 2 years (<i>n</i> = 8), and physiotherapists (<i>n</i> = 8). The interviews explored attitudes, preferences, and/or experiences related to using technology to support clients' and physical therapists' needs. An inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Four main themes were identified: (1) Virtual and in-person rehabilitation programmes, (2) Adherence to HEP, (3) Users' preferences towards the technology, and (4) Technology consideration for HEP application. The findings from clients and physiotherapists highlight important design and implementation considerations for a remote gamification system aiming to improve adherence to HEP.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144209910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shannon Aisling Forde, Tara Coppinger, Susan Rea, Sinéad Hanrahan
{"title":"The effectiveness of digital tools in physical activity interventions for individuals with severe mental illness: a scoping review.","authors":"Shannon Aisling Forde, Tara Coppinger, Susan Rea, Sinéad Hanrahan","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2508938","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2508938","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Severe mental illness (SMI) encompasses a mental, behavioural, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits an individual's life activities. SMI can include disorders such as personality, psychotic, bipolar and major depression. Incorporating physical activity (PA) into the daily lives of individuals with SMI offers increasing health benefits. Despite the acknowledged benefits of PA, there are barriers to engagement and participation rates remain low. Digital tools in PA interventions are rapidly increasing amongst this cohort and can mitigate these barriers. However, the broader implications of how a digital PA intervention can impact this cohort and act as a long-term solution are often overlooked.<b>Materials and Methods:</b> Seven databases were searched. A search string was developed around three categories: Enduring Mental Illness, Digital Tools, and Physical Activity. Full-text screening was performed, and quality checks were completed. Articles selected for review were exported as a list into Microsoft Excel. 24 articles were deemed eligible for inclusion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>14 studies found an increase in PA. Walking was the most common form of PA. The most frequently utilised digital tool was an accelerometer. Group PA was more frequent than individual PA. Many studies used supervision within the intervention. Outcomes varied across studies.<b>Conclusion:</b> Digital PA interventions vary in design and show promise in increasing PA amongst the cohort. However, further research is needed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of digital tools and to incorporate different elements into the design of digital PA interventions, particularly for a long-term solution.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144200548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}