Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology最新文献

{"title":"Initial validation and feasibility of a Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN) course for wheelchairs.","authors":"Ed Giesbrecht, Jacquie Ripat, Jaimie Borisoff, Kara-Lyn Harrison","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2403669","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2403669","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many Canadian manual wheelchair users face many challenges in winter months such as slippage on ice- or snow-covered ramps, snow windrows, and casters becoming stuck in deep or hard packed snow. These barriers impact wheelchair users' ability to participate in the community. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and feasibility of a winter wheelchair obstacle course known as the Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN). The results demonstrated that the SNOWMAN course authentically represented real-world winter conditions, as confirmed by participant responses and qualitative feedback from four manual wheelchair users. The course was comprehensive, covering a range of winter obstacles typically encountered by wheelchair users. Construct validity was established by differentiating performance between manual wheelchairs and a motorized platform with snow tracks, showcasing varying completion times and device satisfaction levels. Feasibility was also assessed, with the administration protocol being mostly adhered to, safety measures implemented, and usability scores meeting acceptable thresholds. The SNOWMAN course showed promise for evaluating wheelchair adaptations and devices for winter conditions, as well as training users in winter mobility skills. Future research directions include comparing different wheeled mobility devices, exploring adaptations for usability in winter, and developing new technology tailored for challenging terrains and winter conditions. The SNOWMAN course could serve as a valuable tool for both research and clinical applications in enhancing winter mobility for wheelchair users.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"644-651"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142298720","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":"Chronic health conditions and disability are prevalent among community users of a digital mental health service: a scoping survey.","authors":"Christine T Shiner, Ian Li, Michael Millard, Alison E J Mahoney","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2389208","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2389208","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> Digital interventions can offer accessible and scalable treatment for chronic conditions, though often focus separately on physical or mental health. People accessing digital health services may live with multiple conditions or experience overlapping symptoms. This study aimed to describe the breadth and characteristics of chronic health conditions and self-reported disability among routine users of a digital mental health service, and to examine related motivations to engage with digital mental health interventions.</p><p><p><b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional survey of adults registered with a digital mental health service in the Australian community (THIS WAY UP) was conducted. Participant demography, chronic health conditions, self-reported disability and motivations for accessing digital treatment were collected and analyzed descriptively.</p><p><p><b>Results:</b> 366 participants responded (77% female, mean age 50 ± 15 years). 71.6% of participants (242/338) reported ≥1 chronic health condition and one-third reported multimorbidity (112/338, 33.1%). Chronic pain, musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders were most common. 26.9% of respondents (90/334) reported a disability, most commonly physical disabilities. 95% of those with chronic conditions reported negative mental health effects and 46% reported heightened interest in digital mental health treatments because of their condition. Primary motivations for digital service use were receiving a recommendation from a health professional and service accessibility.</p><p><p><b>Discussion:</b> People who access digital mental health services in routine care report high rates of heterogenous chronic illness and related disability. There is interest in accessible digital treatments to support mental health at scale among people who live with varied chronic conditions and disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"562-571"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141914264","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":"Effects of track-based stair climbing robot on muscle activity, usability, and psychological anxiety: a preliminary study.","authors":"Minhee Kim, Ki Hoon Kim, Sunhae Lee","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2393701","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2393701","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the effects of using the LiftCar-150 track-based stair-climbing robot on muscle activity, usability, and psychological anxiety. While stair-climbing robots enhance mobility for individuals with physical disabilities, existing research has predominantly focused on engineering perspectives, with limited attention to user-centered outcomes. Ten healthy participants and an 80 kg dummy rider completed stair-climbing tasks at slow (5 m/min) and fast (7 m/min) speeds. Muscle activity in the middle trapezius (MT), erector spinae (ES), multifidus (MF), gluteus maximus (Gmax), gluteus medius (Gmed), and anterior deltoid (AD) muscles was recorded by electromyography. Usability was evaluated in terms of safety, efficiency, and satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale, while psychological anxiety was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10. Results showed that during stair ascent, activities of the back extensors (ES and MF) and gluteus muscles (Gmax and Gmed) significantly increased compared to descent, while anterior deltoid activity was higher during descent. Usability scores averaged 4.05 for stability, 4.1 for efficiency, and 3.7 for satisfaction. Perceived psychological anxiety scores were 4.2 ± 0.3 and 5.4 ± 0.5 at slow speed, and 3.5 ± 0.2 and 5.7 ± 0.4 at fast speed during ascent and descent, respectively. While operators recognized the robot's stability and efficiency, satisfaction levels were neutral, and specific muscle activation was increased. These findings provide essential insights into optimizing the design and usability of stair-climbing robots to better address user needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"592-597"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142005550","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":"Skills on wheels: caregiver perspectives on the design and long-term impact of a pediatric wheelchair Skills training program.","authors":"Madison L Loeser, Tony Chase","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2405896","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2405896","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Manual wheelchair skills training programs are novel developments, particularly in the United States. As perceived by the caregivers of participants, this study aimed to examine the long-term impact of the Skills on Wheels program on participants' occupational engagement and quality of life at home, at school, and in the community. Secondly, this study investigated the caregivers' perspectives of the program design of Skills on Wheels. This was a qualitative inquiry based upon thematic analyses of semi-structured interviews after participation in a pediatric wheelchair skills training program. The study participants were 9 caregivers whose children participated in this program over the 2021 and 2022 implementation years. Caregivers were given a 10-question semi-structured interview. The five overarching topics included program impact: (i) occupational engagement, (ii) program impact: quality of life factors, (iii) program resources/design, (iv) novelty/importance of program/wheelchair skills training, and (v) desired continued wheelchair skills practice in the future. Results provided tangible feedback to integrate into program design and supported the Skills on Wheels program's positive value as it relates to impact on quality of life and occupational engagement for participants.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"663-678"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142308782","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":"Evaluating multi-channel interaction design for enhancing Pose accuracy in yoga training among visually impaired individuals.","authors":"Xiaohan Zhu, Xuandong Zhao, Jianming Yang, Bowen Sun","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2402799","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2402799","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> Physical exercise is essential for the physical and mental health of visually impaired people, but they often face challenges such as inaccurate movements, lack of rhythm and difficulty in mastering postures during exercise. This project introduces an assistive device based on a multi-channel interaction design strategy to improve the accuracy of yoga practice for the visually impaired and to enable their independent exercise.</p><p><p><b>Methods:</b> The system uses a 1:1 model combined with an output interaction model. The effectiveness was verified through controlled experiments with unassisted exercise as the control group and yoga-assisted exercise as the experimental group. Improvements in yoga accuracy and product usability were verified using the Assisted Accuracy Scale and the SUS Scale, respectively.</p><p><p><b>Results:</b> The results showed that the multi-channel interaction design significantly improved the accuracy and usability of yoga exercises and enhanced the ability of visually impaired people to exercise independently.</p><p><p><b>Conclusion:</b> Through this project, we hope to replicate this design strategy to help more visually impaired individuals independently perform effective physical exercise at home, in a gym, or in an outdoor space, thereby improving their quality of life and overall health.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"621-634"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142298717","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":"The refurbishment and redistribution of disability equipment from the UK to low- and middle-income countries: a case study focusing on 2016-2021 redistributions to Romania.","authors":"Lauren Somerville, Liana Nagy","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2367717","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2367717","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The surplus of used disability equipment contributing to waste in the UK and the lack of access to disability equipment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are two issues in need of solution. To address such problems, UK charities refurbish and redistribute used disability equipment to LMICs. To date, there is a scarcity of data on how LMICs could access surplus disability equipment from UK organisations. This study aimed to collate and map out the process by which equipment is refurbished and redistributed from the UK to LMIC's and identify factors which influence the development and sustainability of the partnership. An explorative qualitative case study design was used. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from sender (UK) and a receiver (Romania) organisation between January-February 2022, with real-time translation where necessary. Intelligent verbatim transcription was used, and data was analysed using latent thematic analysis. The process of collection, refurbishment and redistribution of disability equipment from the UK to a LMIC organisation was mapped. Three key themes were identified from the interviews: (1) Development out of need; (2) Service development requires an adequate working relationship; (3) Process consolidation and future. Strong, honest and transparent relationships between organisations was identified as underpinning the success of the initiative. Raising service provision standards to meet specific needs of LMIC organisations supports development of suitable equipment prescription. Development of similar partnerships has potential of reducing the inequity gap and waste. Global collaboration and planning are required to address challenges of access to disability equipment in LMICs.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"545-551"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141767663","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":"Revitalising traditional Indian games: inclusive game adaptations for children with cerebral palsy.","authors":"A Mansoor Rahman, Kavitha Raja, Jagadish Kumar","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2389216","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2389216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Children with cerebral palsy (CP) present unique challenges to physical activity due to various factors. Despite the benefits of inclusive approaches and adapted physical education, low- and middle-income countries face specific barriers including environmental, equipment, personal, policy, social and professional barriers. Traditional Indian games, with their cultural significance and potential therapeutic benefits, offer a promising avenue for inclusive adaptations. At present we couldn't find any studies that explore's the method of adaptation of traditional Indian games for children with cerebral palsy of varying functional levels.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of the study was to explore the adaptation of traditional Indian games for children with CP of varying functional levels.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Traditional Indian games were identified through ethnographic qualitative research, and adapted using the Delphi process involving experts from various fields. A total of 10 traditional games were selected based on their health benefits using an operationalised conceptual model. The <i>CHANGE IT</i> model of adapted physical activity was used to systematically adapt each game. Validation of the model was then performed on children with CP [a smaller sample size, <i>n</i> = 10] with different levels of functioning.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The games varied in playing positions, surfaces and phases. Modifications included changes in game rules, play environment, equipment and time duration. The study validation through informal interview among the parents of CP children revealed that adapted traditional game protocol shown improvements in their children's activity levels and participation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While this is a preliminary exploration, no firm conclusion can be drawn. The model presented in this study lays the foundation for future randomised controlled trials to validate the effects of adapted traditional Indian games on children with cerebral palsy of different functional levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"572-584"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141972075","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":"Design of a prototype of clothing for older persons with neurocognitive diseases with behavioural troubles interfering with the management of sphincter disorders.","authors":"Frédéric Bloch, Elise Joron, Samir Boutalha, Sophie Mekchoudi, Magalie Clavière","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2404701","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2404701","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The evolution of neurocognitive diseases is marked by increasingly disruptive behavioural disorders as well as sphincter troubles. To avoid being forced to use physical restraints or therapies that promote drowsiness to prevent older patients from removing their diapers, caregivers can use a onesie. However, this solution does not respect the dignity of these persons.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To design a prototype of onesie that will be aesthetically pleasing as daytime clothing, with features that simplify its use by professional caregivers and respect the dignity of older adults with neurocognitive diseases.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A randomized open trial was conducted comparing the prototype of onesie that was developed to a classic onesie. The degree of respect for the dignity of these older adults was rated as well acceptability and reliability of the two onesies and a satisfaction survey among caregivers was carried out using a derived questionnaire from the ITHACA project.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The final version of the prototype was a onesie resembling to a clothing adapted for day wear and allowing caregivers to quickly change persons with restricted participation. Forty subjects were included. No difference was found in the dignity ratings assigned by their relatives. The caregiver satisfaction survey showed that they thought the prototype respected the dignity of the subjects but that the use of the classic onesie made the work easier.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our prototype of onesie allowed a better usability by caregivers, was better accepted than a classic model of onesie while respecting the dignity of older adults with neurocognitive diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":"20 3","pages":"692-698"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143755204","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":"Assessing hotel inclusivity: a case study evaluation of universal design for older adults and wheelchair users.","authors":"Zahra Vahedi, Taylor Quinn, Lora Cavuoto","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2481440","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2481440","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the alignment of Universal Design (UD) principles with hotel features while exploring the experiences and needs of various user groups. UD is crucial in public accommodations, creating environments for all to promote inclusivity and functionality. By examining facilitators and barriers, guest expectations, and potential mismatches in UD implementation, the study provides insight into the effectiveness of UD.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this study, 34 participants (15 young adults, 12 older adults, and 7 wheelchair users) toured a universally designed hotel and participated in a semi-structured interview. The data collected was analyzed to identify the presence of UD features and categorized through thematic latent analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Expectations varied among individuals, revealing fewer universally usable features, especially for wheelchair users. Wheelchair users reported challenges with physical features such as heavy doors, high bed heights, and insufficient maneuvering space. Older adults faced fewer issues but noted difficulties with perceptible information and intuitive navigation. Although supportive design features such as automatic doors and well-placed grab bars were valued, mismatches between user expectations and actual design implementations limited overall usability.<b>Conclusions:</b> The study highlighted the importance of UD in public accommodations and UD evaluation methods that involve end users, offering a holistic evaluation to capture the genuine voice of individuals with disabilities. The findings reveal the need to integrate end-user perspectives into design evaluations to identify barriers and ensure solutions meet diverse user needs. UD should extend beyond accessibility to consider guest-physical interactions, supportive design elements, and aesthetics, creating an improved user experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732300","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":"Parametric design and three-dimensional printing: enabling Occupational therapists to develop custom hand grips.","authors":"Mixuan Li, Leila Aflatoony","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2483953","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2483953","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study evaluates a parametric design tool created to support occupational therapists (OTs) in designing personalized assistive technologies (ATs). The tool enables users to modify existing three-dimensional (3D) handgrip models by integrating individual hand measurements and anthropometric data.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We utilized an iterative prototyping approach to develop a parametric interface for the customized design of ATs and conducted user studies involving 12 OTs to assess the practical application of the tool and gather feedback on 3D-printed ATs. We investigated the properties and parameters of 3D printing, including the temperature, layer height, infill percentage, and material selection, to enhance the safety, durability, and hygiene of 3D-printed assistive devices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The parametric design tool received positive feedback from OTs for its ease of use, customization options, and real-time design capabilities, which they found beneficial for their professional practice. The integration of this tool with 3D printing technology has also been praised for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency, offering a unique solution for customized assistive devices that address current market limitations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study introduces an innovative design tool that enhances adaptability and specialized design in AT development by integrating digital fabrication into OT practice to create personalized devices tailored to individual needs. Our study highlights the importance of precise 3D printing parameter optimization to ensure that assistive devices are both functional and reliable. Ultimately, this study aimed to enhance activity performance, such as eating, for individuals with hand impairments, thereby supporting their continued independence in daily activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143732304","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}