{"title":"A systematic review of collaborative interventions between physical products and digital applications for children with autism spectrum disorder from an evidence-based perspective - Evidence accumulation characteristics and implications for design review.","authors":"Yiming Xing, Norhanim Zakaria, Xizhen Zhou, Hanyin Xu, Nazean Jomhari","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2749487","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2749487","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Integrated physical product-digital application systems support autistic children, but component collaboration and evidence generation remain underexamined. Following PRISMA 2020, six databases were searched (2015-2025); two reviewers screened studies involving autistic participants aged ≤ 18 years and appraised artifact and evaluation reporting using DSR-oriented appraisal. Of 7,245 records, 20 studies were included. Social interaction was the most common target, followed by emotional skills and attention. Studies were concentrated among school-aged children and in structured educational or clinical settings. Applications most frequently served as content or training hubs, followed by personalizers or decision engines; other roles were uncommon. DSR-oriented reporting adequacy was high in five studies, acceptable in four, and low in eleven. More complete evidence chains generally involved clearer component roles, stronger links between system functions and outcomes, and more transparent evaluation procedures. Research themes expanded over time but remained parallel and heterogeneous rather than forming a unified cumulative pathway. The findings suggest that progress may depend less on technological variety than on stable links among user requirements, system architecture, implementation conditions, and long-term outcome assessment. We propose an evidence-oriented heuristic framework covering deployment controllability, outcome verifiability and evaluation-chain complexity, which supports cumulative evidence generation for tangible-digital autism interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149276899","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}
Sara Zamiran, Malek Amini, Benyamin Hamid, Marzieh Pashmdarfard, Paula W Rushton
{"title":"The Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale (WheelCon): Persian translation, adaptation, and validation.","authors":"Sara Zamiran, Malek Amini, Benyamin Hamid, Marzieh Pashmdarfard, Paula W Rushton","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2745039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2745039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study translated and culturally adapted the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Manual Wheelchair Users (WheelCon-M) and the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Power Wheelchair Users (WheelCon-P) into Persian (Farsi) and examined their reliability and validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were examined. The Persian translated versions of the WheelCon-M (WheelCon-M-P) and the WheelCon-P (WheelCon-P-P) were administered to 40 adult wheelchair users. Cronbach's α was 0.97 for the WheelCon-M-P and 0.98 for the WheelCon-P-P. Both instruments demonstrated high reliability in test-retest assessments, with ICC values of 0.985 for the WheelCon-M-P and 0.981 for the WheelCon-P-P. This study presents early evidence of effective tools for healthcare professionals to assess confidence in wheelchair use among Persian users.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149247489","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}
Joseph C Mertens, Benjamin N Sanders, Mathew J Weissinger, Kendrick A Coburn, Katheryn J Allyn, Joan E Sanders
{"title":"Multiple stakeholder analysis of a user interface for a powered adjustable-volume prosthetic socket.","authors":"Joseph C Mertens, Benjamin N Sanders, Mathew J Weissinger, Kendrick A Coburn, Katheryn J Allyn, Joan E Sanders","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2743905","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2743905","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adjustable-volume sockets are an emerging technology in the prosthetics marketplace. Current methods of adjustment use predominately passive mechanisms. In the future, electronic actuation will be of interest. This advancement requires a seamless and intuitive user interface. Prosthesis users (<i>n</i> = 5), certified prosthetists (<i>n</i> = 5) and prosthetic students (<i>n</i> = 13) were introduced to four interface prototypes. Participants interacted with a testing suite that included an electronically adjustable-volume socket, fob prototype and software interface. Participant preferences and survey responses were recorded through documentation and video. Prosthesis users and certified prosthetists preferred a simple pear-shaped design with prominent buttons for tightening and loosening the socket. Four of five prosthesis users considered a physical fob more desirable than a phone app. Prosthetists suggested implementing versatile attachment of the fob by lanyard or keychain, mounting on the outside of the socket or placing in a pocket. Prosthesis users and prosthetists preferred interfaces that minimized barriers connecting to and controlling the adjustable-volume socket. Ease of use and reliability need to be preserved as additional enhancements are added. For example, remote patient monitoring data should be presented in a phone app, but direct control of the socket should remain separate with the fob.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149225349","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}
Jordan Wolanski, Samantha Hanser, Dinesh Krishna, Franzina Coutinho, Navamani Venkatachalapathy, Marie Brien, Andrea Duncan
{"title":"Parents and caregivers' perceptions of assistive technology provision for children with disabilities in rural South India.","authors":"Jordan Wolanski, Samantha Hanser, Dinesh Krishna, Franzina Coutinho, Navamani Venkatachalapathy, Marie Brien, Andrea Duncan","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2745082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2745082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to understand parents' and caregivers' perceptions of assistive technology (AT) provision in rural South India. This qualitative descriptive study used semi-structured interviews with parents and caregivers of children who had received AT. Interviews were conducted in Tamil by a bilingual rehabilitation therapist who provided real-time English interpretation and was not involved in the children's clinical care. Data were collected through audio and video recordings and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-phase approach. Eleven participants (nine mothers, one grandmother, and one father) of children aged 4-11 years shared experiences with mobility devices, postural supports, and orthotics. Five themes emerged: (1) utilization and implementation of AT; (2) benefits of AT for mobility, activities of daily living, play, standing, and posture; (3) challenges related to transportation accessibility, safety, and device use; (4) cultural and social influences; and (5) recommendations from parents and caregivers. Participants described positive impacts of AT on children's daily functioning but identified needs for additional education and training, culturally responsive and tailored interventions, and stronger local collaboration to improve AT provision and support in low- and middle-income settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149185795","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}
Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-10-01Epub Date: 2026-10-21DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2026.2746251
Emma M Smith
{"title":"Every sector's business: The UN General Assembly resolution on access to assistive technology.","authors":"Emma M Smith","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2746251","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2746251","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":"38 6","pages":"615-616"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149240582","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}
Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-10-01Epub Date: 2026-03-16DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2026.2636756
Yufan He, Noelle W K Lau, Fan Gao, Wing-Kai Lam, Hiroaki Hobara, Michael S Orendurff, Toshiki Kobayashi
{"title":"Impact of social distancing measures on step activity in individuals with lower-limb amputation during the COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"Yufan He, Noelle W K Lau, Fan Gao, Wing-Kai Lam, Hiroaki Hobara, Michael S Orendurff, Toshiki Kobayashi","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2636756","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2636756","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected global health and physical activities, necessitating social distancing measures (SDM) to control viral spread. This study investigated the impact of the SDM on the step activity of individuals with transtibial or transfemoral amputation in Hong Kong. Sixteen individuals with unilateral lower-limb amputation (5 transtibial, 11 transfemoral) participated in this study. Participants wore a StepWatch Activity Monitor to continuously record their step activity once during the SDM period and once after the SDM period over 28 days. Daily and hourly step counts, as well as walking bout frequency, were analyzed to compare physical activities between the two periods. Although group-level means showed no statistically significant differences for most parameters, individual-level analyses with statistical parametric mapping revealed significant within-participant changes in hourly step counts and walking bout frequency. In particular, significant changes in hourly step counts were observed during typical morning and evening commutes as well as lunch breaks. Additionally, the frequency of 12-step walking bouts significantly increased after SDM ended. These findings suggest that altered walking habits, commuting, and indoor activities may have shaped step patterns during and after SDM, providing insight into how SDM during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced walking behaviors in individuals with lower-limb amputation.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"771-778"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147470179","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}
Assistive TechnologyPub Date : 2026-10-01Epub Date: 2026-06-09DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2026.2659185
Fatemeh Hajibabaei, Aliyeh Daryabor, Mokhtar Arazpour, Akbar Biglariyan, Shahla Abolghasemi
{"title":"Effect of an ankle-foot orthosis on gait parameters in medial knee osteoarthritis: A single-subject study.","authors":"Fatemeh Hajibabaei, Aliyeh Daryabor, Mokhtar Arazpour, Akbar Biglariyan, Shahla Abolghasemi","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2659185","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2659185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This single-subject study evaluated the immediate, mid-term (with AFO after six weeks), and therapeutic (without AFO after six weeks) effects of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) with a Klenzak joint and lateral cuff on gait in women with medial knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Five participants were analyzed using a 3D motion analysis system and force plate. Kinetic variables included the external knee adduction moment (EKAM), external knee flexion moment (EKFM), center of pressure (COP) displacement, and spatiotemporal parameters (cadence, stride length, speed). Descriptive statistics and individual effect sizes were used. Immediately, the AFO caused a lateral COP shift (high effect sizes in 4/5 participants) and reduced the first peak EKAM in three participants. After six weeks, mean EKAM and EKFM increased, showing variable individual responses. Therapeutically, the first peak EKAM decreased again in three participants. Most participants showed improvements in spatiotemporal parameters across evaluations. The most consistent biomechanical benefits were found in participants with neutral foot posture. These findings suggest that the AFO may offer immediate and therapeutic benefits for knee loading and gait in some individuals with KOA. However, mid-term reduction in effectiveness indicates the possible need for orthosis readjustment.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"796-803"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148206867","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":"Investigation and comparison of microprocessor -controlled knee prostheses used in adult people with amputations: A cross-sectional study using data from malfunctioning devices.","authors":"Fatma Özcan, Ayşe Naz Kalem Özgen, Mustafa Hilmi Pekalp, Bilge Yılmaz","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2605470","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2605470","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of the study was to analyze and compare data obtained from different types of microprocessor-controlled knee prostheses that failed in amputated people with transfemoral and knee disarticulation. The medical records of adult amputees whose microprocessor-controlled knee joint prosthesis failed were reviewed. The Genium X3 had a statistically significant higher daily prosthesis use time than the Plié 2.0 and Plié 3.0 groups (<i>p</i> = 0.033), Orion (<i>p</i> = 0.009) and C-Leg 3 (<i>p</i> = 0.017). Patients who used the Orion, C-Leg 4, Plié 2.0 and Plié 3.0 prostheses had a statistically significantly longer duration of use of the current prosthesis than those who used the Genium, and patients who used the C-Leg 3 had a statistically significantly longer duration of use than those who used the Genium X3 (<i>p</i> = 0.023, <i>p</i> = 0.042, <i>p</i> = 0.010, <i>p</i> = 0.018, respectively). There was a statistically significant correlation between current age and time since amputation and duration of current prosthesis use (<i>p</i> = 0.001, <i>p</i> < 0.01, respectively) (<i>r</i> = 0.315, <i>r</i> = 0.364, respectively). There was a significant correlation between time since amputation and daily prosthesis use time (<i>p</i> = 0.015, <i>r</i> = -0.253). In adult transfemoral and disarticulated knee people with amputations, daily prosthesis use time decreases and current prosthesis use time increases with increasing amputation duration.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"714-719"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145913786","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":"Patient-reported experiences, satisfaction, and outcomes of the use of high-profile and silicone prostheses in patients with traumatic Chopart amputation.","authors":"Merve Örücü Atar, Ayşenur Şimşek Yağlıoğlu, Emrah Karaduman, Yasin Demir, Gizem Kılınç Kamacı, Fatma Özcan, Cihan Atar, Koray Aydemir","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2615344","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2615344","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Clinicians may have difficulty in selecting Chopart prosthesis. We aimed to compare patients with traumatic Chopart amputation using high-profile prostheses with those using silicone prostheses in terms of satisfaction level, cause of dissatisfaction, difficulty on different terrains, pain severity, and quality of life (QoL). Twenty-four patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the participants' intact limb pain, residual limb pain, and low back pain. The reason for prosthesis dissatisfaction was asked as an open-ended question. The QoL assessment was performed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36). The severity of low back pain (<i>p</i> = 0.020) and residual limb pain (<i>p</i> = 0.024) were lower in the group using silicone prosthesis compared to the other group. SF-36 physical function (<i>p</i> = 0.007), role limitations due to physical health issues (<i>p</i> = 0.032) and emotional health (<i>p</i> = 0.024) subscale scores were higher in the group using silicone prosthesis than in the group using high-profile prosthesis. Patients using silicone prostheses reported less residual limb pain and lower back pain and higher quality of life aspects of physical functioning and emotional health than patients using high-profile prostheses. Further prospective clinical studies are needed to compare the effects of these two prostheses.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"731-737"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146013130","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":"Improvement on task performance and satisfaction with the use of dynamic arm support MOMO series on five users with upper limb dysfunction: A case series.","authors":"Yuichi Yokoyama, Koshi Matsuoka, Shintaro Shimada, Tomihide Ito, Kaoru Inoue","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2586605","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2586605","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The dynamic arm support MOMO series by Reharo Corporation, Japan, is an upper limb orthosis that primarily supports the daily lives of people with impaired upper limb function. The MOMO series comprises two types: MOMO and MOMO Prime, which support horizontal movement and antigravity control of the upper limb, respectively. This case series describes occupational therapy interventions using the MOMO series and assistive devices tailored to the individual needs of five participants. Outcomes were assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the System Usability Scale (SUS). In all cases, COPM performance and satisfaction scores improved, indicating enhanced ability to engage in meaningful activities such as eating, smartphone use, and leisure. On the SUS score, higher satisfaction was observed when participants could apply the device independently and achieve tasks immediately after introduction. In several cases, the use of the MOMO series contributed to functional recovery, allowing tasks to be continued without the device. These findings suggest that the MOMO series can enhance independence, satisfaction, and quality of life when introduced with appropriate occupational therapy support.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"686-692"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145656343","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}