Yusuf İslam Değerli, Berkan Torpil, Emel Pekçetin, Serkan Pekçetin
{"title":"The effectiveness of 3d printing technology course on attitudes of occupational therapy students-a controlled study.","authors":"Yusuf İslam Değerli, Berkan Torpil, Emel Pekçetin, Serkan Pekçetin","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2416069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2416069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There is interest in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, but views on the integration of these technologies into business and education vary. It is crucial to determine how the introduction of new technologies will impact the attitudes of occupational therapy undergraduate students. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine the effect of using this technology in the assistive technology (AT) lesson on the attitudes and acceptance of technology among students. This study was designed as a non-randomized controlled pretest and posttest control group study. The intervention group consisted of second-year undergraduate students (<i>n</i> = 50) enrolled in a compulsory \"AT course,\" while the control group consisted of third-year undergraduate students (<i>n</i> = 41) who had completed the AT course in the previous academic year. The intervention involved participants attending a 3D printing course in combination with an 8-week AT course. A Modified Technology Acceptance Model (M-TAM) questionnaire was used to assess students' acceptance of 3D printing technology. The related study observed that experiencing and practicing new technologies, such as 3D printing and modeling course in the intervention group AT lesson effectively increased the acceptability of these new technologies that students encountered. The pre-post test analysis of the intervention group was statistically significant in all categories of the M-TAM questionnaire (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the effect size was small and moderate in all categories (<i>p</i> < 0.05). This course has increased student acceptance of this technology. Future studies should examine the long-term effects of such courses on student attitudes.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142477780","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}
Tenelle Hodson, Melissa Kendall, Soo Oh, Ella Stangherlin, Camila Shirota, Elizabeth Kendall
{"title":"Health professionals' experiences and implications of a technology-focused service within a rehabilitation setting.","authors":"Tenelle Hodson, Melissa Kendall, Soo Oh, Ella Stangherlin, Camila Shirota, Elizabeth Kendall","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2414213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2414213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Both demand and need for assistive technology (AT) are growing worldwide. However, ensuring an optimal fit between the person and AT is complex. With health professionals often being the \"gatekeeper\" to AT, it is imperative to understand their experiences of AT. This study was positioned within a sociotechnical space known as \"HabITec\", which aims to bring together potential AT users with health professionals and technology developers to enhance the technology-person fit. The current paper reports on health professionals' experiences of the HabITec Lab (THL), the physical manifestation of HabITec that was piloted in a tertiary hospital for 12-months.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The study used a qualitative descriptive approach to explore the experiences of nine health professionals who referred patients to the lab.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four major themes were identified together with suggestions for the future of THL and HabITec. The themes focused on 1) Balancing service and independence; 2) Capitalising on possibilities and connections; 3) Negotiating multiple mismatches; and 4) Fitting it all together in a coherent service.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>It was clear that health professionals who referred patients to THL identified a range of benefits associated with it, but barriers to its effectiveness were identified and concerns were raised over health professionals becoming too reliant on the lab. For THL to be sustainably implemented, it appears that a policy-level shift is needed to enable its appropriate resourcing.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142477777","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}
Floor Puttemans, Ella Copermans, Petra Karlsson, Els Ortibus, Bernard Dan, Elegast Monbaliu, Saranda Bekteshi
{"title":"An intensive eye-tracking intervention in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy: a multiple case study.","authors":"Floor Puttemans, Ella Copermans, Petra Karlsson, Els Ortibus, Bernard Dan, Elegast Monbaliu, Saranda Bekteshi","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2412073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2412073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to explore the effects of a four-week intensive eye-tracking intervention on children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP), focusing on goal attainment, communication competencies, stress levels, subjective workload, and caregivers' perception of psychosocial impact. A multiple case study design with non-concurrent, staggered multiple baselines was employed, involving three children aged 7, 12, and 13 years. The study included a randomized baseline period of two or three weeks, an intensive eye-tracking intervention, and a six-month follow-up. Two individual eye-tracking goals were identified and assessed using the Goal Attainment Scale, while communication competencies were evaluated with the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Profile: A Continuum of Learning. Stress levels were monitored through Heart Rate Variability measured by the Bittium Faros 360° ECG Holter during eye-tracking tasks. Subjective workload and psychosocial impact were assessed using pictograms and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale, respectively. Descriptive statistics were applied for analysis. All participants attained and retained their eye-tracking goals, regardless of their initial functional profiles or prior experience with eye-tracking technology. Post-intervention improvements in communication competencies were maintained at the six-month follow-up. Variations in stress levels, subjective workload, and psychosocial impact were observed among participants across different phases of the study, aiding the interpretation of the results. The study concludes that a structured, tailored, four-week intensive eye-tracking intervention can yield successful results in children with DCP, irrespective of their baseline communication abilities or functional profile. Recommendations for future research, including more robust methodologies and reliable computerized tests, are provided.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142477775","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":"Promoting multistep requesting through systematic instruction and facilitated iPad-based intervention with children with intellectual disability.","authors":"Khalid M Abu-Alghayth","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2413408","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2413408","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A lack of multistep requesting among children with intellectual disability can be an indicator of complex communication and social challenges. This study aims to determine the effect of a systematic instruction (differential reinforcement, progressive time delay, and least-to-most prompting) using an iPad with the \"GoTalk Now\" app on the acquisition and maintenance of multistep requesting. Using a multiple-probe across-participants design, three children between the ages of nine and 10 diagnosed with intellectual disability participated in this study. The findings revealed that the intervention was effective in both the intervention and maintenance phases. In two participants, the change in performance occurred immediately, while in the other participant, it took more sessions to reach the acquisition criteria. Social validity data were obtained from participants' teachers. Implications and future directions are discussed according to the findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142477779","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}
Eva Yin-Han Chung, Kenneth Kuen-Fung Sin, Daniel Hung-Kay Chow
{"title":"Building and testing of a robotic intervention framework to enhancing the social engagement of children with autism spectrum disorder.","authors":"Eva Yin-Han Chung, Kenneth Kuen-Fung Sin, Daniel Hung-Kay Chow","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2412076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2412076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Humanoid robot intervention programmes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are being developed rapidly. This study aimed to develop and test a robotic intervention framework for children with ASD to ensure best practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In Phase I of this study, an initial framework was built based on a scoping review. This review aimed to identify the core elements conducive to effective robotic intervention programmes for children with ASD. In Phase II, the content of the initial framework was verified using a case study approach in a real-life setting.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The robotic intervention framework, which comprised three domains, was built and tested. The three domains were robot-, child-, and programme-related factors. Elements within each domain were identified and verified in real-life contexts.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The proposed framework will enhance evidence-based practice in robotic intervention programmes. However, further clinical testing is warranted to enhance the efficacy and validity of this framework. A good programme design incorporating all essential elements for effective intervention will ensure the success of the training programme for children with ASD.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142394286","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}
Vida Rahimi, Elham Tavanai, Seyyed Mohammad Reza Taghavi, Mohammad Ehsan Khalili
{"title":"Uncovering the effects of pandemic conditions on hearing aid experiences: a dual perspective from audiologists and hearing aid users.","authors":"Vida Rahimi, Elham Tavanai, Seyyed Mohammad Reza Taghavi, Mohammad Ehsan Khalili","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2405557","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2405557","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose:</b> This study examines the effects of the pandemic on hearing aid experiences from the perspectives of audiologists and patients, as well as communication challenges faced by both users and non-users of hearing aids.</p><p><p><b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study consisted of two phases: a longitudinal study examining the services provided by audiologists during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and after the first vaccination dose. The second phase involved a survey of 120 elderly individuals with hearing loss, divided into hearing aid users and non-users for assessing communication challenges. Data was collected from comprehensive audiology clinics using a series of checklists.</p><p><p><b>Results:</b> Analysis of the frequency of services related to hearing aids revealed that during the peak period, the majority of visits were for acquiring batteries and hearing aids, while fewer visits were for fitting and fine-tuning the devices. After vaccination the pattern was changed. In the second phase, significant differences were observed between the hearing aid users and non-users with regards to their ability to comprehend speech while wearing mask, communicating at a safe distance, and following TV news.</p><p><p><b>Conclusions:</b> The distribution of requested services differed during the peak period and the post-vaccination period. There was a noticeable increase in the purchase and fitting of hearing aids after vaccination. However, patients encountered difficulties due to the limited availability of tele-audiology services and delayed services from hearing aid companies. The benefits of hearing aids were impacted by the pandemic as many people did not seek adjustments for their devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142394287","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":"Approaches to manufacturing affordable 3D printed modules to improve the durability of white canes for visually impaired people.","authors":"Burak Alanyalıoğlu","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2412083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2412083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, 3D printing-based solutions are sought to improve the durability of guide canes of visually impaired individuals. The financial inaccessibility of technological white canes is a challenge that this study addresses by integrating additive manufacturing. The proposed solutions are designing a ball caster tip with a suspension mechanism, manufacturing a barrier detection and vibration alert system, and a 3D-printed flexible cover for the guide cane. Each solution is specially prototyped for this study using Computer-Aid Design (CAD). It aims to produce accessories that can upgrade any regular cane to a more durable and comfortable state by easily clipping them onto any cane. The solutions were assessed under three criteria, for which the visually impaired consultee of the research was assigned weights for further evaluation. The assessment has been conducted based on each solution's effectiveness, cost, and comfort. According to the evaluation of the visually impaired consultee, the ball caster with suspension mechanism yielded the highest score for the assessment criteria. Further recommendations have been made for each solution to decrease the volume occupancy and increase lifespan, durability, and comfort.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142394285","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}
Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, Deepashini Harithasan, Aiman Mat Najib, Muhammad Shafiq Ishak, Rizauddin Ramli
{"title":"Perceptions of using exoskeleton technology among physiotherapists and stroke survivors in Malaysia: a mixed methods study.","authors":"Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, Deepashini Harithasan, Aiman Mat Najib, Muhammad Shafiq Ishak, Rizauddin Ramli","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2407918","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2407918","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exoskeleton technology has the potential to enhance the functional abilities of individuals with upper or lower limb dysfunction, including stroke survivors. However, its adoption in Malaysia has been limited due to its restricted availability in rehabilitation centres and hospitals. In this study, we aim to explore the perceptions and opinions of physiotherapists and stroke survivors regarding exoskeleton technology, focusing on identifying desired design features and investigating their views on its use in rehabilitation. An online survey was conducted to assess the preferred features of exoskeleton technology among physiotherapists and stroke survivors. Subsequently, one-to-one online in-depth interviews were carried out with physiotherapists who had experience using exoskeleton technology. Data were analysed using descriptive, thematic, and triangulation analysis methods. The analysis included 81 survey questionnaires from physiotherapists and 122 from stroke survivors. Both groups highlighted cost-effectiveness, safety, comfort, and ease of use as key features of exoskeletons. Additional insights from in-depth interviews with five physiotherapists emphasized the importance of a user-friendly interface, adjustability, and a lightweight design. Physiotherapists also expressed that exoskeleton technology could reduce their workload, minimize musculoskeletal-related disorders, and enhance their confidence. The main desired features identified by both physiotherapists and stroke survivors for exoskeleton technology include cost-effectiveness, safety, comfort, and ease of use. Physiotherapists further viewed it as a valuable tool to alleviate their workload and reduce musculoskeletal-related disorders while boosting confidence. These findings offer valuable guidance to developers, engineers, and manufacturers in the country, aiding in the development of client-centred exoskeleton features.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142366995","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}
Aisling Flynn, Attracta Brennan, Marguerite Barry, Sam Redfern, Dympna Casey
{"title":"Social connectedness and the role of virtual reality: experiences and perceptions of people living with dementia and their caregivers.","authors":"Aisling Flynn, Attracta Brennan, Marguerite Barry, Sam Redfern, Dympna Casey","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2310262","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2310262","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>People living with dementia are often at increased risk of becoming socially disconnected due to dementia-related challenges. In recent years, digital technology has been designed to help address the social health of people living with dementia and provide opportunities to promote or maintain their social connectedness. This paper presents the findings from phase two of a participatory action research project, which explored people living with dementia and their caregiver's experiences and perceptions of social connectedness and the potential role of Virtual Reality (VR) in promoting or maintaining same.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>People living with dementia (<i>n</i> = 8) and their informal caregivers (<i>n</i> = 8) participated in an individual, 1:1 online interview. Data analysis was guided by reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings presented four themes: social connectedness: lived experiences and insights, facilitating social connectedness, barriers to social connectedness and the potential of multi-user VR for social connectedness. People living with dementia experienced a range of personal, community and societal connectedness. Facilitators of social connectedness included supportive, non-judgemental, and reciprocal relationships, technology adoption, and personal and contextual facilitators. Dementia-related difficulties and periods of disruption or change were considered barriers to social connectedness. Multi-user VR was perceived as useful for promoting and maintaining social connectedness.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The perceived usefulness of multi-user VR for social connectedness indicates its potential for use with this population. Understanding the lived experiences, barriers, and facilitators of social connectedness will assist researchers and the human-computer interaction community to inform the design of future multi-user VR for social connectedness outcomes with people living with dementia and their caregivers.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2615-2629"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139900641","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}
L Diment, S Curtin, L Kenney, K J Reynolds, M H Granat
{"title":"Priorities when designing a service-focused delivery model for mobility devices: a systematic review.","authors":"L Diment, S Curtin, L Kenney, K J Reynolds, M H Granat","doi":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2313077","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17483107.2024.2313077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Throughout the world, mobility devices are usually distributed using product-based business models, where a device is provided to a user, and serviced or replaced when the user returns to the clinic with an issue. Moving to a service-based business model can provide continuous and customised support for the user, and provide the clinicians and manufacturers with better data to base their decisions on. This study reviews papers on assistive technology service-based business models and considerations in designing such a model to optimise economic and social value. It then applies the findings to the mobility device space.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A systematic literature search was undertaken in PubMed, Web of Science, and OVID databases to analyse studies that discuss service delivery models used to provide assistive products. Inductive thematic analysis determined the themes, facilitators and barriers associated with providing a service. Findings were applied to mobility device service provision.</p><p><strong>Results and conclusion: </strong>Themes from the 29 relevant papers were grouped into four categories: <b>Access</b> (affordability/availability/education), <b>Utility</b> (customisability/usability/adaptability), <b>Integrity</b> (quality/sustainability/impact), and <b>Compliance</b> (policy/privacy/security). The most common themes were customisability, affordability, availability, and education. There is a need for service-based delivery models to replace conventional product-based models, and many considerations to optimise their design. No publications discussed the design and implementation of a service-based model for mobility device provision that uses modern sensors, software and other digital technologies to optimise the service. Service-based models that use modern digital technologies are new for the mobility device field, but much can be learnt from other fields.</p>","PeriodicalId":47806,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"2442-2453"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139724532","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}