Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology最新文献

{"title":"Haptics-based, higher-order sensory substitution designed for object negotiation in blindness and low vision: Virtual Whiskers.","authors":"Junchi Feng, Giles Hamilton-Fletcher, Todd E Hudson, Mahya Beheshti, Maurizio Porfiri, John-Ross Rizzo","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2458112","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2458112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>People with blindness and low vision (pBLV) face challenges in navigating. Mobility aids are crucial for enhancing independence and safety. This paper presents an electronic travel aid that leverages a haptic-based, higher-order sensory substitution approach called Virtual Whiskers, designed to help pBLV navigate obstacles effectively, efficiently, and safely.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Virtual Whiskers is equipped with a plurality of modular vibration units that operate independently to deliver haptic feedback to users. Virtual Whiskers features two navigation modes: open path mode and depth mode, each addressing obstacle negotiation from different perspectives. The open path mode detects and delineates a traversable area within an analyzed field of view and then guides the user in the most traversable direction with adaptive vibratory feedback. Depth mode assists users in negotiating obstacles by highlighting spatial areas with prominent obstacles; haptic feedback is generated by re-mapping proximity to vibration intensity. We recruited 10 participants with blindness or low vision for user testing of Virtual Whiskers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both approaches reduce hesitation time (idle periods) and decrease the number of cane contacts with objects and walls.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Virtual Whiskers is a promising obstacle negotiation strategy that demonstrates great potential to assist with pBLV navigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143473351","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":"Impact of holding a badminton racket on spatiotemporal parameters during manual wheelchair propulsion based on forward and backward propulsion.","authors":"Ilona Alberca, Félix Chénier, Bruno Watier, Florian Brassart, Jean-Marc Vallier, Arnaud Faupin","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2459885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2459885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluates the impact of a badminton racket on forward and backward propulsion in wheelchair badminton, aiming to discern if this impact varies between propulsion directions. Nineteen experienced wheelchair badminton players underwent propulsion tests with and without a badminton racket. In forward propulsion when comparing the same hand with and without a racket, the badminton racket distinctly alters propulsion technique parameters depending on the propulsion direction. It increases sprint time by 4% to 5% and reduces mean, maximum, and peak velocities by 3% to 8% regardless of propulsion direction. Deceleration is also diminished by 9% to 11% with the racket in both directions, potentially decreasing overall performance. However, the comparison of data between the hand with a racket and the opposite hand without a racket did not reveal enough significant results to establish a negative effect of the racket. Notably, while the impact of the racket differs between propulsion directions, there is no significant difference in the effect between forward and backward propulsion. The use of a badminton racket influences propulsion technique parameters differently based on the propulsion direction (decrease in propulsion phase time during forward propulsion and the opposite during backward propulsion) and increases performance parameters such as velocity and deceleration consistently across both directions when comparing the same hand with and without a badminton racket. However, the direction of propulsion does not amplify the racket's effect. These findings underscore the importance for wheelchair badminton players to consider equipment effects on performance in both propulsions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143442415","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":"Optimal design of a wheelchair-mounted robotic arm for activities of daily living.","authors":"Javier Dario Sanjuan De Caro, Md Samiul Haque Sunny, Gabriela Davila Albor, Tanvir Ahmed, Md Mahbubur Rahman, Md Ishrak Islam Zarif, Asif Al Zubayer Swapnil, Inga Wang, Katie Schultz, Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed, Mohammad H Rahman","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2459890","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2459890","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The increasing prevalence of upper limb dysfunctions due to stroke, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis presents a critical challenge in assistive technology: designing robotic arms that are both energy‑efficient and capable of effectively performing activities of daily living (ADLs). This challenge is exacerbated by the need to ensure these devices are accessible for non‑expert users and can operate within the spatial constraints typical of everyday environments. Despite advancements in wheelchair‑mounted robotic arms (WMRAs), existing designs do not achieve an optimal balance-minimizing energy consumption and space while maximizing kinematic performance and workspace. Most robotic arms can perform a range of ADLs, but they do not account for outdoor environments where energy conservation is crucial. Furthermore, the need for WMRAs to be compact in idle configurations-essential for navigating through doors or between aisles-adds another layer of complexity to their design. This paper addresses these multifaceted design challenges by proposing a novel objective function to optimize the link lengths of WMRAs, aiming to reduce energy consumption without compromising the robots' operational capabilities.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>To achieve this optimization, the scatter search method was employed, incorporating considerations of collision and singularity avoidance while ensuring the arm remains compact when not in use. The proposed design was evaluated through simulations and experimental validation with both healthy subjects and individuals with lower limb dysfunctions.</p><p><strong>Results and conclusions: </strong>The optimized WMRA demonstrated significant improvements in energy efficiency and spatial adaptability while maintaining the required kinematic performance for ADLs. The validation process confirmed the practical applicability of the proposed design, highlighting its potential to enhance mobility and independence for individuals with upper limb impairments. This study contributes to the field of disability and rehabilitation by providing a structured approach to designing assistive robotic arms that better align with real‑world constraints and user needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143442417","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":"Leveraging AI and customer reviews to evaluate technology used by people with disabilities.","authors":"Taylor Allen, Ari Horwitz, Stephen Sprigle","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2465603","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2465603","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mainstream and assistive technologies play a critical role in enhancing the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities. However, selecting appropriate technology for specific patients requires AT practitioners to navigate a vast number of available products. This study investigates the application of large language models (LLMs) to assist AT practitioners in identifying valuable product insights and informing technology recommendations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Keplo, an AI-driven customer review analysis platform, was utilized to evaluate six product categories: three mainstream products and three assistive technologies. Using Amazon product reviews, Keplo's initial analysis provides key product information including user demographics, usage patterns, strengths, weaknesses, and potential design improvements. This initial report was subsequently input into a custom GPT, developed by Keplo, to further extract valuable data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After applying prompt engineering, the GPT generated design considerations, product comparisons, and tailored suggestions for individuals with certain functional limitations, offering AT practitioners a detailed and comprehensive guide for product recommendations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings demonstrate that LLMs can effectively identify and extract product insights from customer reviews, streamlining the process of prescribing products for individuals with disabilities. The results also reflect limitations of LLM analysis and the need for AT Practitioners to critically review customer reviews for applicability to their clients.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143434159","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":"Multi-faceted sensory substitution using wearable technology for curb alerting: a pilot investigation with persons with blindness and low vision.","authors":"Ligao Ruan, Giles Hamilton-Fletcher, Mahya Beheshti, Todd E Hudson, Maurizio Porfiri, John-Ross Rizzo","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2463541","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2463541","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Curbs separate the edge of raised sidewalks from the street and are crucial to locate in urban environments as they help delineate safe pedestrian zones from dangerous vehicular lanes. However, the curbs themselves are also significant navigation hazards, particularly for people who are blind or have low vision (pBLV). The challenges faced by pBLV in detecting and properly orienting themselves for these abrupt elevation changes can lead to falls and serious injuries. Despite recent advancements in assistive technologies, the detection and early warning of curbs remains a largely unsolved challenge. This paper aims to tackle this gap by introducing a novel, multi-faceted sensory substitution approach hosted on a smart wearable; the platform leverages an RGB camera and an embedded system to capture and segment curbs in real time and provide early warning and orientation information. The system utilizes a YOLOv8 segmentation model which has been trained on our custom curb dataset to interpret camera input. The system output consists of adaptive auditory beeps, abstract sonifications, and speech, which convey curb distance and orientation. Through human-subjects experimentation, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the system as compared to the white cane. Results show that our system can provide advanced warning through a larger safety window than the cane, while offering nearly identical curb orientation information. Future enhancements will focus on expanding our curb segmentation dataset, improving distance estimations through advanced 3D sensors and AI-models, refining system calibration and stability, and developing user-centric sonification methods to cater for a diverse range of visual impairments.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143425781","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":"Durability and usability evaluation of a tilt-in-space manual wheelchair for children in India.","authors":"Abigail Dumm, Ritu Ghosh, Sama Raju, Sureshkumar Kamalakannan, Soikat Ghosh Moulic, Anand Mhatre","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2463552","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2463552","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Around 8 million children with functional disabilities in India need postural support wheelchair designs. This study tests the durability and usability of a new tilt-in-space, postural support wheelchair design for children. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) wheelchair durability testing was followed by a mixed-method observational field with a purposively selected, diverse sample of children aged 3-17 with varying diagnoses needing a tilt-in-space wheelchair in the rural and urban community settings in South India. Children were fitted with appropriate size wheelchairs. Demographic information was collected at baseline. Customized rapid surveys and interviews evaluated usability, use satisfaction, and willingness to buy and use the wheelchair device at the 2- and 12-month follow-up visits. The wheelchair passed ISO durability testing without part failures. Twelve participants (<i>n</i> = 7 boys, <i>n</i> = 5 girls), aged 10.25 ± 2.67 years, reported high to moderate satisfaction of use. During follow-up, caregivers reported improvements in the child's physical function, social interaction, and time spent in the chair. No part failures were reported. Themes were found regarding the inappropriateness of previous wheelchair designs and the benefits for children's growth, function, and participation, as well as burden reduction for caregivers. The participants reported that they would buy the wheelchair for a price range of Rs. 15500-28751 ($186-346). The study results demonstrate the benefits of high-quality and usability of the postural support wheelchair design for children with functional disabilities. Such a design is necessary to promote growth, social skills, and reduced parental burden. Future studies should compare the design with wheelchairs currently prescribed in India.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143417076","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":"Are the non-profit organizations being an effective way to empower and integrate children with special needs.","authors":"Talal M Alsaif, Abdulaziz R Alamr, Hanan M Diab, Usama M Ibrahem","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2463553","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2463553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Non-profit organizations (NpO) are essential in society, particularly in their efforts to empower and integrate those with special needs, such as children with mental disabilities (CWMD). This study seeks to investigate the rationales behind the perception of NpO as a potent instrument for empowering and integrating this specific cohort of persons. The study monitored and extrapolated published intellectual production on NpO's functional functions in delivering services and enabling PWSN using a descriptive-analytical technique. The applied aspect used the mixed approach, which combines quantitative and qualitative approaches using the explanatory sequential design strategy. The research team collected quantitative data and analyzed it first, then qualitative data and analyzed it second. The field study comprised 225 professionals in all fields and 225 PWSN parents from 45 associations and NpO in six Kingdom districts.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143415699","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":"Inclusive waste separation: co-designed bins empowering visually impaired individuals.","authors":"Patranit Srijuntrapun, Issavara Sirirungruang","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2462168","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2462168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The design of waste separation bins, which relies on the principle of \"color\", continues to present a challenge for individuals with visual impairments, necessitating the need for a solution. This research aims to bridge this gap by proposing a novel waste separation bin design tailored to the unique physical requirements of visually impaired individuals through co-design concept.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Utilising a focus group as a core methodology, a purposive sampling technique was implemented to select the sample group, which consisted of 20 individuals actively involved in waste segregation activities and individuals with visual impairments. Additionally, an evaluation was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 45 visually impaired individuals to assess their satisfaction with the use of the waste bins.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The key findings of the study include a new design for innovative separation waste bins that shift from using colours to incorporating auditory signals. Furthermore, the evaluation results reveal that the development of innovative separation waste bins in collaboration with end-users yields exceptional results that enhance usability, user-friendliness and mitigate potential barriers. This culminates in a remarkably high level of satisfaction among users (mean = 4.55, SD = 0.438). This new waste separation is recognised as an innovative solution (patent No. 17547) for visually impaired individuals empowering them to participate actively in waste separation, while the research findings also hold policy implications that promote the integration of inclusive design principles into public infrastructure and services.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143410961","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":"Evidence to inform seat height and seat angle configuration for bilateral foot propulsion.","authors":"Ed Giesbrecht, Kara-Lyn Harrison","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2458725","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2458725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>For individuals who propel their manual wheelchair (MWC) with their feet, appropriate assessment and configuration of their mobility device is critical to optimising use. Standard MWC designs favour upper extremity propulsion and pose a risk for functional positioning and injury risk for foot propellers. Limited existing evidence suggests lowering seat height or forward seat inclination can potentially improve propulsion biomechanics but lacks specificity. Obtaining more precise outcomes from varying MWC seat configurations would provide additional evidence to inform clinical decision-making.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study investigates the impact of modifying seat height and seat angle on propulsion efficiency and comfort with bilateral foot propulsion in a MWC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Able-bodied graduate students (<i>n</i> = 30) completed trials of five seat heights and four seat angles in random order on a standardised course; outcomes included completion time, push frequency, push effectiveness, perceived difficulty, and lower extremity range of motion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall results demonstrated seat heights 1-2\" (2.5-5.1 cm) below lower leg length provided significant improvement, but limited gains beyond this point. Similarly, small seat inclinations of 3-6° produced significant benefits but diminishing benefits at 9°. Sensitivity analysis using lower leg length revealed benefits of seat inclination and height reduction of 1-2\" (2.5-5.1 cm) among participants with shorter legs, while those with longer legs benefited from height reduction of 2-3\" (5.1-7.6 cm).</p><p><strong>Concusion: </strong>These results underscore the importance of individualised tailoring of MWC configuration for foot propulsion to enhance ease and efficiency of mobility. The findings provide additional evidence to guide rehabilitation therapists in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143410960","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":"Characteristics of factors affecting axle load and friction forces in a wheelchair.","authors":"Mateusz Kukla, Michał Kończak, Bartosz Wieczorek, Łukasz Warguła, Dominik Rybarczyk, Olga Zharkevich","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2025.2463540","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2463540","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose:</b> The aim of the presented research was to determine the impact of the position of the centre of gravity of the human-wheelchair system on the load on its axles.</p><p><p><b>Materials and methods:</b> Experiments concerned measurements of the centre of gravity position and parameters related to wheelchair dynamics. This allowed for the determination of: the forces loading the wheelchair axles, the values of friction forces for individual wheels, and the demand for driving torque.</p><p><p><b>Results:</b> Change in the average velocity of the wheelchair (0.24 m/s, 0.31 m/s, 0.36 m/s) does not cause significant changes in the position of the centre of gravity. An increase in the inclination of the wheelchair (from 0° to 7°) causes changes: a decrease in the load on the front axle, on average: 63.1 N, an increase in the load on the rear axle, on average: 65.3 N, the position of the centre of gravity: 54.2 mm. In turn, for an increase in the angle of inclination (from 7° to 14°), it causes, respectively: an average decrease of 114.9 N, an average increase of 116.5, and a change of position of 96.7 mm.</p><p><p><b>Conclusions:</b> Changing the position of the centre of gravity significantly alters the load distribution on the front and rear axles of the wheelchair. This changes the values of friction forces, which affects the demand for driving torque. Taking into account variating acceleration additionally increases the resistance forces and the range of their variability.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143400274","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}