{"title":"Power wheelchair users with ALS: Impact of an alerting system on complications with prolonged sitting and power feature utilization.","authors":"Amber L Ward, Carla Nooijen, Jennith Bernstein","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2497865","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2025.2497865","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An interventional technology called Virtual Seating Coach (VSC) provided alerts via an app to perform pressure redistribution using power wheelchair seat functions. The objective was whether alerts can contribute to more function utilization and thereby reduce pressure injuries and pain. Thirty-nine individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) participated, 14 consented to use VSC, and 25 controls. The duration of the study was 27 months, with follow-up at 1 month or 3 months. Due to multiple technological and disease-related difficulties, three of those consented for the VSC received alerts once per hour to move into prescribed positions for one minute. These participants were able to use the VSC through the study end, and two of the three adhered to performing pressure redistribution after receiving alerts. The three using the VSC did not report pressure injuries; 12 of 21 controls reported development of a pressure injury. Furthermore, those using VSC noted a decrease in pain; most controls showed an increase during the same time period. The study thus highlighted the potential for such alerting technology while at the same time revealing many limitations due to disease progression and diminishing access to wheelchair controls.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143994384","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}
José Igor V Oliveira, Rízia Almeida, Erick Guilherme Peixoto de Lucena, Vitor Tessutti, Emely Pujólli Silva, Marco Carlos Uchida
{"title":"Innovative health monitoring for wheelchair users: A scoping review of smartwatch applications.","authors":"José Igor V Oliveira, Rízia Almeida, Erick Guilherme Peixoto de Lucena, Vitor Tessutti, Emely Pujólli Silva, Marco Carlos Uchida","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2496484","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2025.2496484","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to review the application of commercial smartwatches as a tool for monitoring health and exercise variables and the accuracy of their measurements, with users being people with physical disabilities who use manual wheelchairs. The searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEEXplore. Studies were included regardless of experimental design as long as they involved people with physical disability or without any physical disabilities who used manual wheelchairs in evaluations with commercial smartwatches. Thirteen studies were included in the review. Overall, there was no consensus on the accuracy of wheelchair-related measurements, such as physical tests and daily activities, with only the Apple Watch® Series 1 and 4 and the Fitbit Charge 2® providing acceptable information. Regarding the physiological measurements offered by smartwatches during physical evaluations, only the Xiaomi Mi Band 5® provided reliable heart rate readings. Additionally, the Apple Watch® Series 5 did not demonstrate sufficient sensitivity to detect falls from the wheelchair. Finally, despite these limitations, commercial smartwatches are seen as a promising tool for self-care and increased autonomy. However, restrictions must be considered, especially in contexts where movements are subtle or gradual, and they should not be used for clinical purposes or disease diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144032483","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}
Ali Azeez Al-Jumaili, Magdy Eissa, Wei Zhang, Alaa Hussein Ali Alameri, Aamr Bebany, Hala Sakr, Ayoob Azeez, Mohammed Khalil Mustafa, Raoof Tariq Raoof, Abdulnaser Kamil Ibrahim, Zinah E Nooruldeen, Naseem Jaafar Sadeq, Kinan Hussien Ali, Mohamad Wehbi, Houda Langar
{"title":"Evaluation the findings of WHO rapid assistive technology assessment (rATA) in Iraq: A field-based survey.","authors":"Ali Azeez Al-Jumaili, Magdy Eissa, Wei Zhang, Alaa Hussein Ali Alameri, Aamr Bebany, Hala Sakr, Ayoob Azeez, Mohammed Khalil Mustafa, Raoof Tariq Raoof, Abdulnaser Kamil Ibrahim, Zinah E Nooruldeen, Naseem Jaafar Sadeq, Kinan Hussien Ali, Mohamad Wehbi, Houda Langar","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2496481","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2025.2496481","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of this population-based study was to assess the use, sources, payers, barriers, need, and unmet need of assistive products (AP) in the population of Iraq using the Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) survey. The survey included a representative national sample from six governorates, including 36 cities/districts that cover all the country. In total 12,021 respondents' data were included in the data analysis. A total, of 16.4% of the sample reported use of AP, and 22.8% reported being in need of AP. Children and adolescents (≤17 years), seniors (≥80 years), and people living in rural areas had lower access to APs. The main sources of funding were out-of-pocket (57.6%), followed by friends and family (31.2%), government (10.1%), and NGOs (4.8%). Furthermore, 58%, 27.3% and 12.2% APs were obtained from the private sector, friends and family, and the government, respectively. The main barriers facing people in need to get APs were inability to afford (43.6%), no support (22.3%), unavailability of APs (11.5%), stigma (4.6%), and no time available (3.5%). It is the government's responsibility to provide AP, in addition to suitable environments (sidewalks, transportation, and public buildings) that are friendly to people with wheelchairs and crutches.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144042735","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 : 2025-05-04Epub Date: 2024-09-03DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2338277
Pouya Ahmadian, Robyn E Cardy, Gino De Luca, Azadeh Kushki
{"title":"Usability of an augmented reality bedtime routine application for autistic children.","authors":"Pouya Ahmadian, Robyn E Cardy, Gino De Luca, Azadeh Kushki","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2338277","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2338277","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sleep problems are highly prevalent in autism and negatively impact the physical and mental health of children and their caregivers. Sleep education programs are often recommended as a first line-treatment to help parents implement healthy sleeping habits and a bedtime routine at home; however, the accompanying paper-based toolkits used in the bedtime routines have limitations related to engagement and adherence. To address these gaps, we iteratively developed and tested the usability of an augmented reality (AR) bedtime routine application. Our single participant design study (<i>n</i> = 7 child/parent dyads) found 86% compliance with the program and suggested good-excellent usability of the app with a trend toward increased willingness and faster completion of children's bedtime routines. This work supports the feasibility of using technology-based tools in sleep education programs and informs future clinical studies examining the effectiveness of these approaches for mitigating sleep difficulties.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"175-184"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142127190","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 : 2025-05-04Epub Date: 2025-01-31DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2458260
Fulden Sari, Azize Sudan Aran, Gülay Alp
{"title":"The psychological and physiological effects of a virtual reality-based treatment program in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Fulden Sari, Azize Sudan Aran, Gülay Alp","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2458260","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2458260","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aims to evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) programs on disease activity, central sensitization, kinesiophobia, body awareness, and pain catastrophizing in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Twenty-nine with FMS were randomized into the VR group or the control group (CG). FMS patients in the VR group were included in the VR-based relaxing treatment for 4 weeks, with one session per week. The progressive muscle relaxation technique and the breath-counting exercise were taught to participants in the CG. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Central Sensitization Inventory Short-Form (CSI-SF), TAMPA, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) were evaluated. Additionally, in the VR group, the Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), pain, stress, and exhaustion were assessed during each session. Post-treatment, the VR group showed significantly greater improvements than the CG in FIQ, CSI-SF, PCS, and BAQ (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Effect sizes in the VR group, except for TAMPA, ranged from large to very large (Cohen's d = 0.993-1.350). Although GSR scores decreased post-treatment, this reduction was not statistically significant (<i>p</i> > 0.05). Additionally, symptoms of SSQ, pain, stress, and exhaustion were notably reduced in the VR group. we recommend the widespread use of this innovative treatment approach in FMS patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"220-228"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143071236","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 : 2025-05-04Epub Date: 2024-10-24DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2416495
Yusuf İslam Değerli, Medine Nur Özata Değerli
{"title":"Using ChatGPT as a tool during occupational therapy intervention: A case report in mild cognitive impairment.","authors":"Yusuf İslam Değerli, Medine Nur Özata Değerli","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2416495","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2416495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This case report examined the impact of computer programmed assistive technology developed, using ChatGPT as a tool when designing an occupational therapy intervention on a client's independence in activities of daily living. A 66-year-old female client with mild cognitive impairment consulted an occupational therapist due to difficulties with activities of daily living. The occupational therapist developed two activity assistance computer programs using ChatGPT as a resource. The client did not interact directly with ChatGPT; instead, the occupational therapist used the technology to design and implement the intervention. A computer programmed assistive technology-based occupational therapy intervention was completed for eight weeks. The occupational therapist trained the client to use these programs in the clinical setting and at home. As a result of the intervention, the client's performance and independence in daily activities improved. The results of this study emphasize that ChatGPT may help occupational therapists as a tool to design simple computer programmed assistive technology interventions without requiring additional professional input.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"165-174"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142512712","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 : 2025-05-04Epub Date: 2025-04-18DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2485854
Emma M Smith
{"title":"Promise and challenge: Emerging technologies in assistive technology.","authors":"Emma M Smith","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2485854","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2025.2485854","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":"37 3","pages":"157-158"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055120","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 : 2025-05-04Epub Date: 2024-05-06DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2337194
Linda Sørensen, Dag Tomas Johannesen, Hege Mari Johnsen
{"title":"Humanoid robots for assisting people with physical disabilities in activities of daily living: A scoping review.","authors":"Linda Sørensen, Dag Tomas Johannesen, Hege Mari Johnsen","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2337194","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2337194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this scoping review was to gather, summarize, and map the knowledge of peoples' experiences on humanoid robots, capable of assisting people with activities of daily living. The review was guided by the framework of Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR. We found 44 papers describing nine robots that could assist with a variety of tasks listed in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. The mixed population experienced little or no anxiety toward the robots, and most accepted the robots' ability to monitor for safety reasons. Some participants disliked the robots' large size and slow movements. Most of the participants found the robots easy to use. They wanted improvements in the robots' functionality and the ability to personalize services. Several of the participants found the services interesting and useful, but not for themselves. The experiences of humanoid robotic assistance showed an insufficient level of technical readiness for assisting in physical assistance, a lack of personalization and readiness for use in home settings. The practical relevance of these findings lies in guiding future research and development toward a more individualized approach focusing on user needs and experiences to enhance the efficacy and integration of humanoid robots in health-care.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"203-219"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140867282","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 : 2025-05-04Epub Date: 2024-03-19DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2328091
João Silva, Matilde Silva, Bruno Soares, Carla Quintão, Ana Rita Londral, Cláudia Quaresma
{"title":"Multi-activity 3D printed assistive technology in children: A case study.","authors":"João Silva, Matilde Silva, Bruno Soares, Carla Quintão, Ana Rita Londral, Cláudia Quaresma","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2328091","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2328091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Congenital limb defects occur when a limb does not develop normally during pregnancy. The quality of each person's everyday life is significantly impacted by any of these defects and there is no concrete treatment. 3D modeling and printing, enables the creation and customization of precise virtual and/or physical models, including models of the human anatomy. These technologies provide a novel method of producing new devices with optimized design and production time, improving adaptability, and incorporating functionality. To this end, we propose a method of designing and producing 3D printed assistive devices and we also present an example of an assistive device, done in the 3D Printing Center for Health, as well as its impact on the patient's daily life. With this device, the patient became able to play the guitar and hold a knife, thus helping on these two activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"159-164"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140177596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A hierarchy category of socially assistive robots' functions: Insights from older adults.","authors":"Yu Chen, Qingxian Zhao, Meng Liu, Guojie Ma, Xiangling Zhuang","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2446347","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10400435.2024.2446347","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Socially assistive robots (SARs) are increasingly recognized for their potential in helping older adults age in place. Effectively meeting the diverse needs of older adults requires a proper classification of SARs' functions. However, existing function categories are primarily proposed from the perspective of researchers, rarely from older adults themselves. This study addresses this gap by employing a user-centered design approach to explore how older adults classify SARs' functions. Using the open card sorting technique, we first identified 30 functions supporting the daily tasks of older adults. Subsequently, twenty-five older adults aged 60 to 86 with diverse educational backgrounds participated in an iterative function categorization. The initial sorting ranged from 2 to 10 groups but generally centered around 4 to 6. Through multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering, we revealed a hierarchical structure of SARs' functions. Which identified four main categories: \"Home Management,\" \"Smart Healthcare,\" \"Entertainment and Communication,\" and \"Monitoring and Maintenance,\" with their sub-categories and super-categories. These findings provide valuable insights for designing SARs that better align with older adults' needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"194-202"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142933476","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}