Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology最新文献

{"title":"Wheelchair satisfaction: a study with mothers of children and adolescents with severe cerebral palsy.","authors":"Maria José Alves, Fausto Orsi Medola, Luis Carlos Paschoarelli, Nenad Pavel, Luciana Ramos Baleotti","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2537338","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2537338","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between device and service satisfaction among mothers of children with cerebral palsy who use wheelchairs, as well as to examine the connections between satisfaction, wheelchair characteristics, confidence, and proficiency in wheelchair use.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 30 mothers of children and adolescents with severe cerebral palsy that are not able to propel the wheelchair by themselves. Participants' satisfaction and the skills for moving with a wheelchair were assessed with the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0), the Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including correlation tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA-OneWay), was performed and supplemented by qualitative analysis for a more comprehensive understanding.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that factors such as wheelchair dimensions, ease of adjustment, weight, comfort, and the quality of delivery and technical assistance services raised concerns and dissatisfaction among participants. Safety and comfort were identified as key factors for satisfaction, reported by 73.3% of participants, while 36.7% mentioned ease of use. A significant correlation between ability and confidence was established (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with a high magnitude (<i>R</i> = 0.94).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight the importance of including primary caregivers in wheelchair assessments to understand the determinants of satisfaction better and proposes Assistive Technology interventions that prioritize caregivers' perspectives. This may improve prescription practices, thereby increasing user satisfaction and usability. Additionally, it highlights the potential of modular and collapsible support systems tailored to meet diverse physical needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144745518","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":"Bridging the gap: from standards to reality in wheelchair headrest-backrest design: a case study.","authors":"Benjamin Aveyard, William Dauncey, Jacob Redwood-Thomas, Dominic Eggbeer, Russell Penman, Lorna Tasker","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2532704","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2532704","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose</b>: A barrier to the design, manufacture, prescription, testing and evaluation of postural support devices is the lack of user interface force data available. This is in part due to the lack of instrumentation suitable for data collection. This work attempts to address the need for practical instrumentation and record force data.</p><p><p><b>Methods</b>: Instrumentation was developed and used to record real-world unidirectional force data from an individual with high-strength extensor patterns. This data was then used to undertake comparative testing of a custom-made backrest shell using methods described in ISO 16840-3: Wheelchair seating - Part 3: Determination of static, impact and repetitive load strengths for postural support devices.</p><p><p><b>Results</b>: Data collected had a higher magnitude and frequency force than comparative testing forces. This led to a pass and a fail respectively, of the original ISO 16840-3 test and the real-world informed parameters.</p><p><p><b>Conclusion</b>: The data collected highlights the need for better understanding of forces exerted by users on the PSDs. This is especially true of users with complex conditions, behaviours and postures that may exert forces outside of the norm. Developing the correct instrumentation and centring users experiences to inform testing, design and manufacture, prescription of devices and technology evaluations is key to this process.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144715159","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":"Gamification strategies that promote leisure participation in children and youth with disabilities.","authors":"Ebrahim Mahmoudi, Mehrnoosh Movahed, Annette Majnemer, Carlos Denner Dos Santos, Gillian Backlin, Alexandre Siou, Stephanie Glegg, Lesley Pritchard, Janet McCabe, Keiko Shikako","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2529508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2529508","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Participation in leisure activities is important for childhood development; however, youth with disabilities (YWD) experience participation limitations due to various barriers, including a lack of information about available adaptive and inclusive leisure activities. The Jooay mobile app, addresses this barrier by providing YWD, parents, and clinicians with information about adaptive and leisure activities in their neighborhoods across Canada. Game-like features, known as gamification, can enhance user engagement with mobile technologies and support health behavior change.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study sought to explore the needs and perspectives of YWD, parents, clinicians, and community organizations about how gamification can increase their engagement with a mobile app that targets health behavior changes.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We used a qualitative interpretive description methodology and conducted semi-structured interviews (<i>N</i> = 21) with YWD, parents, clinicians, and community organization representatives. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Deductive and inductive approaches alongside constant comparative analysis were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Qualitative analysis revealed four interconnected gamification strategies: (1) supporting participation goals; (2) bringing fun; (3) connecting with others; and (4) consideration for different users' experiences. We learned that mobile apps may have increased success in facilitating health behavior changes if they are tailored to individual preferences and may benefit from including personalized goal setting, a feedback system, such as a progress tracker, fun-related elements (especially for YWD), social networking for peer support, tailored user experiences for different user types, and expanded safety features to ensure privacy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings inform the inclusive and participatory design of digital health tools like Jooay, highlighting their potential to support behavior change, and promote meaningful participation in leisure activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144709449","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":"Hazard-free outdoor path navigator for visually challenged people.","authors":"Sri Anima Padmini Viriyala, Vithya Ganesan","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2530674","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2530674","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A multi-technology approach is helpful for challenging people to sense, localisation and user-centred route maps to navigate between destinations. Visually challenged people need navigation assistance between source and destination to choose a hazard-free or minimal-hazard optimal path. Navigator invokes online and offline hazard-free route maps to establish a safe and optimised route between source and destination. An online navigation system finds hazard-free optimal paths by artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML) and cloud. The offline navigator uses a tensor processing unit (TPU) to generate a path map. Navigator uses AI and DL techniques to identify tree branches, signboards, underside of parked vehicles, open glass windows bumping into another walking person and fast-moving objects in outdoors and predicts artificial and natural hazards for selecting hazard-free optimised paths. The proposed fuzzy trusted hazard free routing path (FTHRP) algorithm utilises the data set \"hazard-route data set\" to identify the obstacle-free path between the source and destination by path planning and dynamic re-routing to avoid unexpected hazards. The navigation system leverages semantic route mapping based on AI-driven context inference processed by hardware and software.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144709450","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":"Enabling by voice: an exploratory study on how interactive smart agents (ISAs) can change the design of environmental control (EC) equipment and service.","authors":"Umber Shamim, Alan Woodcock, Ajoy Nair, Gabriella Spinelli","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2530195","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2530195","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Well-designed assistive devices improve the quality of life of individuals with severe and permanent impairments and reduce the burden on their caregivers. This study investigated whether interactive smart agents (ISAs) are effective in supporting individuals who are affected by neurological conditions causing severe mobility issues, and the factors aiding ISAs' adoption.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The North Thames Regional Environmental Control Equipment Services (NTRECES) supported this study by recruiting service users (people with severe mobility impairments due to neurological ailments) in the study. Health Research Authority approval was obtained (255096). NTRECES prescribes medical-grade environmental control (EC) devices, unlike smart speakers (ISAs). Research on ISA adoption by NTRECES users could support prescribing ISAs as assistive EC devices in the future. Through secondary research and exploratory primary data, this user-centred study developed an initial technology adoption model, subsequently revised in light of the insights from a multi-point qualitative primary research.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This research uncovered that novelty, ease of voice interaction and its entertainment value play a key role in the adoption decision. Willingness to overlook reliability, privacy and security attributes was identified, providing that the service users had back-up devices for security and privacy critical tasks. The originality of this work consists in the development of a technology adoption model tailored to consider the characteristics of service users with severe physical disabilities and the attributes of ISAs technology. The research contributes to the discussion on contextual factors and technology design features that may improve the inclusivity of ISAs and their use as medical devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-30"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692011","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":"Eye-tracking technology applications for supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder: insights, challenges, and opportunities.","authors":"Thi Quynh Hoa Nguyen, Thi Kieu Chinh Nguyen, Thanh Ha Le, Thi Duyen Ngo","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2531236","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2531236","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours, with significant impacts on individuals and their families. In recent years, eye-tracking technology has emerged as a valuable tool for examining the cognitive and perceptual differences associated with ASD. Despite technological advancements, the diversity and complexity of this technology may pose challenges for researchers, particularly in fields such as psychology and special education. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of eye-tracking technology in supporting individuals with ASD, focusing on three key areas: major research directions, applications of the technology, and the relationship between ASD-related impairments and eye movement measures. A thorough literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and the ACM Digital Library, resulting in the inclusion of 170 studies following a rigorous selection process. The analysis of these studies reveals a sustained interest in the application of eye-tracking technology to autism research, as evidenced by the diverse range of research directions explored. For each direction, data collection and analysis methodologies are examined to identify best practices and key considerations. Accordingly, this review offers guidance for future research by highlighting current achievements, acknowledging existing limitations, and proposing promising directions for the continued use of eye tracking in ASD-related studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-36"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692012","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":"A novel program including ride-on toys to improve upper extremity function in children with hemiplegia: a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Sudha M Srinivasan, Kush Kataria, William Yorns, Timothy E Moore, Chaeyeon Yoo, Patrick D Kumavor, Kristin Morgan, Kathleen Friel","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2534436","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2534436","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study will assess the feasibility, acceptance, and preliminary efficacy of a novel and engaging task-oriented UE training program, Strength and Power in upper Extremities through Exploratory Driving (SPEED), including joystick-operated ride-on toys, as a therapy adjunct, to advance UE function among children with hemiplegia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We will conduct a randomized controlled trial to compare SPEED training to a dose-matched program, Creative Rehabilitation for Arm Function Training (CRAFT), based on standard-of-care. 30 children with hemiplegia between 3 and 9 years will be recruited. Training will last 6 weeks, 4 times/week, 2 sessions by researchers (30-45 min/session) and 2 sessions by caregivers (15-20 min/session). The SPEED group will engage in playful games including ride-on toys and the CRAFT group will complete seated, fine motor activities. The primary outcome measure is treatment adherence. Secondary measures include participant retention, perceived satisfaction, implementation fidelity scores, child engagement, wrist-worn accelerometry, kinematics, scores on the Shriner's Hospital Upper Extremity Evaluation, Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, and the ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire, grip strength assessment, and measures of navigational control.</p><p><strong>Impact: </strong>We propose a community-based, innovative, task-oriented training including modifiedride-on toys to promote self-initiated use of the affected UE in young children with hemiplegia. Study findings have implications for the adoption of the SPEED program by families as an adjunct to conventional therapy to increase children's functional use of their affected arm through playful exploration.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144676116","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":"Exploring augmentative and alternative communication in intensive care units: nurses' experiences, knowledge, and training preferences in Cyprus.","authors":"Eliada Pampoulou, Maria Kyranou, Phivos Phylactou, Maria Papaioannou, Marina Charalambous, Anastasios M Georgiou, Maria Demetriou, Neophytos Kyriakou, Pani Lytra, Fotini Georgiou, Lakis Palazis","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2533509","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2533509","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Nurses provide quality and safe care to critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) who might also experience severe speech-language production and/or comprehension impairments. However, interpreting patients' communication efforts is not always possible for several reasons, such as lack of time or training. The current study aimed to investigate ICU nurses' Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) knowledge and determine their preference for receiving training on AAC forms of communication.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>One hundred and two ICU nurses from Cyprus's three largest public ICUs completed an electronic questionnaire with multiple-choice questions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings showed that participants use both unaided and aided forms of communication. The aided forms are limited to pen and paper and whiteboards, with the use of other assistive technology being scarce. It was also evident that participants had received minimal training in AAC. However, the nurses expressed a willingness to receive training in AAC to communicate with their patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>It is essential that AAC training is provided to ICU nurses during their academic training and as part of continuous professional education. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration with healthcare professionals, such as speech and language therapists specializing in ICU communication enhancement, is advised.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144676118","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":"Deep learning-based eye sign communication system for people with speech impairments.","authors":"Rajesh Kannan Megalingam, Sakthiprasad Kuttankulangara Manoharan, Gokul Riju, Shree Rajesh Raagul Vadivel","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2532698","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2532698","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective</b>: People with motor difficulties and speech impairments often struggle to communicate their needs and views. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) offers solutions through gestures, body language, or specialized equipment. However, eye gaze and eye signs remain the sole communication method for some individuals. While existing eye-gaze devices leverage deep learning, their pre-calibration techniques can be unreliable and susceptible to lighting conditions. On the other hand, the research into eye sign-based communication is at a very novice stage.</p><p><p><b>Methods</b>: In this research, we propose an eye sign-based communication system that operates on deep learning principles and accepts eye sign patterns from speech-impaired or paraplegic individuals via a standard webcam. The system converts the eye signs into alphabets, words, or sentences and displays the resulting text visually on the screen. In addition, it provides a vocal prompt for the user and the caretaker. It functions effectively in various lighting conditions without requiring calibration and integrates a text prediction function for user convenience. Impact Experiments conducted with participants aged between 18 and 35 years yielded average accuracy rates of 98%, 99%, and 99% for alphabet, word, and sentence formation, respectively. These results demonstrate the system's robustness and potential to significantly benefit individuals with speech impairments.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144676117","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":"Parental perceptions and gender as predictors of changes in children's understanding of how to use a power wheelchair.","authors":"Naomi J Aldrich, Dominik Vanderest, Kevin Slowik, John P Farris, Daniel K Zondervan, Lisa K Kenyon","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2533510","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2533510","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To explore: (1) Whether parental perceptions predicted children's understanding of how to use a power wheelchair (PWC), as assessed <i>via</i> the Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use (ALP) across a study period, and (2) Relationships between child characteristics and ALP scores.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Data for this prospective observational study were collected during an open-label, single-arm clinical trial wherein children participated in a three-week PWC skills training intervention. Semi-structured parental interviews were conducted at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1). The ALP was administered at T0, T1, and at a retention trial (T2). Parental perceptions were quantified using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count 2015 (LIWC2015).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-five child-parent dyads completed the study. Each parent completed two interviews (50 interviews total). Paired-samples t-tests showed significant improvements in children's ALP scores across timepoints and shifts in parental perceptions across the study (e.g. increased Authenticity from T0 to T1). Bivariate correlations were used to identify potential predictors (i.e. child characteristics, age and gender, etc.; and parental perceptions identified <i>via</i> LIWC2015) for regression analyses. Regressions revealed: (1) Parents' focus on Biological processes (e.g. diagnoses) at T0 predicted children's T0 ALP scores; (2) Parents' analytical thinking and references to relativity (e.g. space, motion) at T1 predicted improvements in ALP scores from T1 to T2; and (3) Child gender predicted changes in ALP scores from T0 to T1 and T0 to T2, with boys exhibiting greater improvements.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings highlight the importance of parental sensitivity and emotional attunement in supporting children's learning of PWC use.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144660798","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}