Renzo Andrich, Stefan von Prondzinski, Gerald Weisman, Silvana Contepomi, Natasha Layton
{"title":"Selecting assistive products - The power of the who International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (who ICF) to support decision making.","authors":"Renzo Andrich, Stefan von Prondzinski, Gerald Weisman, Silvana Contepomi, Natasha Layton","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2666426","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2666426","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Assistive technology (AT) - that is, assistive products and skilled service provision - is critically important to optimize functioning for the billions who need it. Deciding what assistive product to select is a key service provision step and one that often relies on tacit knowledge of the provider workforce. This commentary describes a knowledge translation project developed by the World Health Organization which explored artificial intelligence, specifically machine reasoning, as a strategy to assist in the selection of assistive products. While the online tool ASPREX (ASsistive PRoduct EXplorer) remains in prototype status, the body of knowledge supporting decision-making for the 50 Priority Assistive Products has been systematically documented and made publicly available at eastin.eu. Recommendations are made about how we might enact. Recommendation 6 of the Global Report on AT: <i>Invest in data and evidence-based policy</i>. These include providing public access to knowledge; adhering to standard concepts and terms; and utilization of the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as an effective framework to describe the variables which impact assistive product selection and decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147845826","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}
Ahlad Neti, Holly Wilson-Jene, Jon Pearlman, Alicia M Koontz
{"title":"Characterizing the rolling resistance force and deformation of in-wheel suspension systems in manual wheelchairs.","authors":"Ahlad Neti, Holly Wilson-Jene, Jon Pearlman, Alicia M Koontz","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2659180","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2659180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In-wheel suspension systems for manual wheelchairs offer a potential remedy for dissipating whole body vibrations; however, some users feel that they impede their propulsion efficiency. The purpose of this study was to compare Loopwheel Urban, a type of in-wheel suspension wheel to a carbon fiber wheel (Spinergy CLX) and standard spoked wheel to elucidate their comparative effects on rolling resistance force and axle deformation. Component-level drum-based testing revealed that the average rolling resistance force of the Loopwheels was 118% and 44% higher on linoleum and carpet surfaces than the standard wheels, respectively, and approximately 160% higher on carpet than the Spinergy CLX. Loopwheels demonstrated greater deformation (70 mm average across all loading conditions) compared to both standard and CLX wheels under static loading conditions. The increased rolling resistance force and deformation may help explain the perception among manual wheelchair users that Loopwheels impede their propulsion efficiency, despite their smoother ride and reduction of vibrations and shocks.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147788893","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":"Cultural conceptualizations of rapport in assistive technology implementation for elder care: An integrative review.","authors":"San Hong","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2657284","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2657284","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This integrative review examines how culturally embedded conceptualizations of rapport influence assistive technology implementation in elder care across diverse global contexts. Through systematic analysis of 76 studies spanning seven major cultural regions, the review reveals that rapport operates as a fundamental mediator of technological acceptance, manifesting through distinct cultural constructs: filial piety frameworks (xiao, hyo, amae) in East Asia; seva and Saṅgha in South Asia; karam in Arab/Muslim societies; Ubuntu in Sub-Saharan Africa; whānau and Two-Eyed Seeing in Indigenous contexts; familismo and personalismo in Latin America/Hispanic societies; and autonomy-based trust in Western societies. Cross-cultural analysis using Hofstede's framework reveals systematic patterns: high power distance cultures embed AT within hierarchical obligations, collectivist societies require technologies to support extended networks, and uncertainty avoidance influences openness to unfamiliar devices. The review demonstrates that AT implementation outcomes vary significantly based on cultural rapport conceptualizations, with technologies achieving higher adoption when aligned with existing relational frameworks rather than attempting to replace traditional care values. These findings challenge universal technology acceptance models and suggest the need for culturally specific implementation strategies that honor diverse rapport conceptualizations while addressing practical care needs in aging populations worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147788868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluating the accessibility of Saudi tourism websites: Sector and audience focus comparisons.","authors":"Obead Alhadreti","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2648557","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2648557","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Digital accessibility has become an essential aspect of web design, ensuring that online services are usable by all individuals, including those with disabilities. Yet, the accessibility of tourism websites, particularly in developing regions, remains underexplored. This study has three primary objectives. The first is to examine the accessibility of tourism websites in Saudi Arabia. The second is to investigate the impact of sector type (public vs. private) and audience focus (religious vs. leisure) on web accessibility implementation. The third is to explore the correlations among the outputs of the different accessibility evaluation tools. Results revealed that all evaluated websites fell short of full compliance with WCAG 2.1 guidelines, limiting many users' ability to fully utilize their services. Private sector sites showed significantly more issues, especially under the perceivable principle, while no significant differences appeared between religious and leisure websites. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant relationship between the outputs of TAW and MAUVE++.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147534545","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}
Claudia Ghidini, Caitlin E Edgar, Chanthearin Ry, Yong Yean, Phanith Karng, Thearith Heang, Sisary Kheng, Anthony M J Bull
{"title":"Children in Cambodia provide key design priorities for below-knee prostheses: Independence, functionality, comfort and cosmetic appearance.","authors":"Claudia Ghidini, Caitlin E Edgar, Chanthearin Ry, Yong Yean, Phanith Karng, Thearith Heang, Sisary Kheng, Anthony M J Bull","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2643688","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2643688","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Children with disabilities in low-resource environments (LREs) face major barriers to education, participation, and well-being. Assistive technologies like prostheses can help, but current solutions often fail to meet child-specific needs, particularly in LREs. This study engages pediatric prosthesis users in Cambodia to identify their unique user needs. This study used a novel interactive interview with card games and functional mobility assessment. While the card games and mobility assessment provided quantitative data, the interview responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged from the analysis, demonstrating children remarkable understanding of both benefits and limitations of their prostheses. They appreciated the independence and cosmetic appearance, but pointed to limited mobility, heavy components, and discomfort as major issues. These priorities were echoed in the card games, where anatomically looking prostheses were the most preferred style, and culturally important activities such as walking fast, sitting cross-legged and kneeling were ranked highest. Children clearly expressed what it is important for them and identified key areas for improvement in current prostheses to improve their social inclusion. Future prosthetic research and development must adopt a user-centered, culturally sensitive approach that actively involves children, ensuring prosthetic solutions meet their physical, emotional, and social needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147516597","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":"Senior populations' attitude towards virtual assistants: A study using extended technology acceptance model.","authors":"Sameena Naaz, Alina Raza, Mamoona Humayun, Shabina Ghafir, Zeeshan Ahmed, Faizan Ahmad","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2642118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2642118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An interactive virtual assistant can be very useful for older people because it is cost-effective and can easily assist them. It provides ways to give them social support and manage their loneliness by giving them activities, like playing games, solving puzzles, and listening to music. The importance of progress in virtual assistants goes beyond enhancing the features of virtual assistants. Such analysis can be important in finding patterns of trust and attitudes in human interactions, leading to improved adoption of virtual assistants. One of the specific areas where this can be useful is increasing the social acceptance of these assistants among the elderly population. In this study, we surveyed to gauge the popularity of virtual assistants in the elder population, which consisted of a total of 20 questions for which 104 responses were received. Seven hypotheses were formulated for the various Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) parameters and were supported by statistical analysis. The findings highlight that the virtual assistants not only show promising potential for improving the quality of life of older adults but also explain the role of trust, perceived reliability, and emotional comfort in shaping their long-term acceptance.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147476428","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":"Classification and characterization of user groups for wearable fall protection systems: A scoping review.","authors":"Yuzi Luo, Juyeon Park","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2634721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2634721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wearable fall protection systems (WFPSs) effectively mitigate fall-related injury risks. However, varying application contexts and user characteristics create distinct demands for these assistive technologies. This review investigates the current research status and identifies the key characteristics to classify WFPS users. A literature search across IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases (2014-2024) yielded 40 eligible studies, selected following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. These studies emphasize the importance of addressing user-specific needs and optimizing technology to enhance usability. Five user groups and their sub-groups were identified, including general users, occupational workers, patients with mobility-impairing chronic diseases, people with disabilities, and wearable exoskeleton robot users. Most studies focused on older adults within the healthy population, with comparatively limited research on disease patients, occupational workers, people with disabilities, and wearable exoskeleton robot users. Significant differences in fall-risk profiles, activity patterns, and technological needs were found among user groups, which affect the effectiveness and acceptance of WFPSs. This review highlights a mismatch between user needs and the distribution of existing research efforts, summarizes challenges across different user groups, and informs future work toward more usable and adaptable systems in real-world contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147476393","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}
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":"https://doi.org/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":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","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}
{"title":"A caster-up test method for manual wheelchairs under worst-case conditions.","authors":"Takashi Handa, Masahiro Sakamoto, Kunihiro Tochiki, Yoshihiko Kozai","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2642119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2642119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study validated the caster-up durability test specified in ISO 7176-30, originally developed to ensure the structural safety of wheelchairs designed for changing occupant posture. As caregiver-assisted caster-up maneuvers are common in standard manual wheelchairs, particularly in aging societies, the study examined the applicability of this test to such wheelchairs. A worst-case scenario, involving a downward vertical force applied to the push handles, was defined. A custom test apparatus capable of simulating both the ISO-defined method and the worst-case method was developed. Mechanical stress on the wheelchair frame was quantified using strain gauges. Results showed that the worst-case method induced approximately 1.3 times greater strain at specific locations on the back support pipe compared to the existing method, indicating a potential underestimation of stress in the current ISO test. Durability tests conducted on four commercial wheelchair models found that two passed and two failed under the worst-case method. While the test method itself appears generally valid, the criterion for allowable readjustments requires reconsideration. These findings suggest that incorporating the worst-case method into durability testing could enhance user safety, supporting reconsideration of certain ISO 7176-30 requirements.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147470198","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}
Awangku Zaini Awang Zainal, Ahmad Shah Hizam Md Yasir, Azizul Qayyum Basri, Kamran Latif, N Nelfiyanti, Mohd Yusrizal Mohd Yusoof, Muhamad Rauhan Ishak
{"title":"Exploring the use of assistive technology in special education: Issues and trends for student visual impairments: A systematic literature review.","authors":"Awangku Zaini Awang Zainal, Ahmad Shah Hizam Md Yasir, Azizul Qayyum Basri, Kamran Latif, N Nelfiyanti, Mohd Yusrizal Mohd Yusoof, Muhamad Rauhan Ishak","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2026.2636752","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2636752","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Assistive technology (AT) plays a pivotal role in enhancing educational access and outcomes for students with visual impairments (SVI). This systematic literature review (SLR) examines research trends and implementation challenges of AT in SVI education between 2014 and 2024. The study addresses three research questions: (1) the frequency and growth of AT-related publications, (2) the subjects and samples examined in prior studies, and (3) the most frequently implemented AT applications and approaches among SVI. A comprehensive review was conducted across seven scientific databases, encompassing indexed, non-indexed, and conference proceedings. A systematic mapping study (SMS) framework was applied to categorize AT devices based on sensory type and educational application. Findings indicate a steady increase in AT research, with primary emphasis on educational functionality, social interaction, motivation, and self-confidence enhancement among SVI learners. AT is widely reported to reduce participation barriers and bridge activity limitations. However, persistent challenges include limited device ownership, insufficient technical expertise, inadequate training, and recurring technical constraints, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The review underscores the need for context-sensitive AT development, improved professional training, and equitable policy implementation. These findings provide strategic insights for optimizing AT design, adaptation, and deployment to promote inclusive education and equal workforce participation for individuals with visual impairments.</p>","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147437240","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}