Assistive Technology最新文献

Website navigation: Access to online resources to determine eligibility for augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) technology in Canada. 网站导航：访问在线资源，以确定是否有资格获得加拿大的增强和替代通信（AAC）技术。

IF 2.5 4区医学

Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2025-06-11 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2499621

Jillian T Henderson, Tracy Shepherd, Shane Pinder, Beata Batorowicz, T Claire Davies

{"title":"Website navigation: Access to online resources to determine eligibility for augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) technology in Canada.","authors":"Jillian T Henderson, Tracy Shepherd, Shane Pinder, Beata Batorowicz, T Claire Davies","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2499621","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2025.2499621","url":null,"abstract":"Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems enable interaction by persons with speech impairments, yet access to these devices is limited. In 2019, the Government of Canada introduced \"The Accessible Canada Act\" to reduce barriers. Availability of information online about AAC systems can reduce barriers to many Canadians who have difficulty attending in-person appointments. While Ontario's Assistive Device Program has been reviewed, other government-funded and charitable organizations across Canada have not been assessed for readability and accessibility. This research aims to evaluate the websites of organizations across Canada that provide AAC technology access, either through equipment loans or financial assistance programs. Forty-three eligible organizations were identified. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines scores (A, AA, and AAA) and four readability scores (Flesch Kincaid Reading Ease, Flesch Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning Fog, and age range) for each website were determined. Thirteen of 43 sites scored below the recommended standard of 75 for WCAG score, and Flesch Kincaid Reading Ease score indicated 86% were more difficult to read than standard recommendations for web content. To enhance equity in AAC device access, online availability of information and forms of government programs and charitable organizations must be easily understood and barrier-free.","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267878","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}

引用次数: 0

Toward improving internet navigation for visually impaired screen Reader users: Co-designing an open-source assistive technology system. 改善视障屏幕阅读器用户的互联网导航：共同设计一个开源辅助技术系统。

IF 2.5 4区医学

Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2025-06-06 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2509699

Juan Nino, Jocelyne Kiss, Frédérique Poncet, Walter Wittich, Geoffreyjen Edwards, Ernesto Morales

{"title":"Toward improving internet navigation for visually impaired screen Reader users: Co-designing an open-source assistive technology system.","authors":"Juan Nino, Jocelyne Kiss, Frédérique Poncet, Walter Wittich, Geoffreyjen Edwards, Ernesto Morales","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2509699","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2025.2509699","url":null,"abstract":"Visually impaired individuals, estimated at 285 million globally, rely heavily on-screen readers for internet access. However, much of the visually available information, such as the relationship between webpage elements, does not translate well to its textual representation and must be always kept in memory, limiting contextual interactions. To address this challenge, we developed Touch Matrix Assistive Technology Navigator (TOMAT), an open-source system that works alongside screen readers to provide an interactive, audio-tactile representation of webpage structure and enable contextual interactions. Our study employed a participatory design approach, involving visually impaired users, healthcare professionals, engineers, and community organizations in co-design sessions, prototype demonstrations, and focus groups. The resulting system extracts and presents non-linear web information at multiple levels of detail, allowing users to dynamically adjust granularity and efficiently navigate and interact with web content. Participants reported that TOMAT enhanced their understanding of webpage structure and provided an intuitive complement to screen reader software. The findings suggest TOMAT has the potential to improve the internet navigation experience for visually impaired users, fostering greater independence and digital participation. To support further development and collaboration, TOMAT's source files have been released under an open-source license.","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144250846","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}

引用次数: 0

Changes in utterance frequency with long-term use of an information support robot for older adults with cognitive impairment living alone. 长期使用信息支持机器人对独居认知障碍老年人话语频率的影响。

IF 2.5 4区医学

Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2025-06-05 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2508264

Megumi Kawasaki, Jumpei Mizuno, Takenobu Inoue

{"title":"Changes in utterance frequency with long-term use of an information support robot for older adults with cognitive impairment living alone.","authors":"Megumi Kawasaki, Jumpei Mizuno, Takenobu Inoue","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2508264","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2025.2508264","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to elucidate the effect of introducing an information support robot on utterance frequency and confirm the change in utterance frequency after long-term use. We presented an information support robot installed with individualized content to three older adults with cognitive impairment who live alone at home or in an assisted living residence (mean age 83.7±SD 5.4 years). Changes in the participants' utterance frequency over six months following the intervention of long-term robot use in actual living spaces were quantitatively recorded and analyzed. Two participants' total utterance frequency maintained or improved. With robot intervention, the utterance frequency to the robot was maintained for six months. When the usability and satisfaction with the robot were high, the utterance frequency increased. These results suggest that users need to be provided with personalized information that is appropriate for their individual needs to use robots effectively over the long term. Information support robots have the potential for long-term use without inflicting boredom and may encourage more frequent interactions. Long-term use of such information support robots may help older adults to continue living autonomously and independently for longer. These findings may contribute to future efforts in supporting autonomous living.","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235939","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}

引用次数: 0

Understanding user experiences of providing and utilizing washable absorbent continence products in India, Papua New Guinea and Romania. 了解在印度、巴布亚新几内亚和罗马尼亚提供和使用可洗吸收性自制产品的用户体验。

IF 2.5 4区医学

Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2025-06-03 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2500070

Cathy Murphy, Lucie Pannell, Ritu Ghosh, Sureshkumar Kamalakannan, Vennila Palanivelu, Almah Kuambu, Ben Zuvani, George Stefan, Iuliana Mesesan

{"title":"Understanding user experiences of providing and utilizing washable absorbent continence products in India, Papua New Guinea and Romania.","authors":"Cathy Murphy, Lucie Pannell, Ritu Ghosh, Sureshkumar Kamalakannan, Vennila Palanivelu, Almah Kuambu, Ben Zuvani, George Stefan, Iuliana Mesesan","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2500070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2025.2500070","url":null,"abstract":"Incontinence is a global health and social care challenge. Effectively containing bladder or bowel leakage is fundamental for people living with incontinence. Disposable absorbent products are widely used, but do not work well for everyone and are neither financially nor environmentally sustainable. Specifically designed washable absorbent products are not widely used. We aimed to understand people's experiences of using or providing washable products in different contexts. We undertook 57 interviews with product-users and/or carers and three focus groups with service providers in India, Papua New Guinea and Romania. Five themes were identified: 1) Usability variation, 2) Impact on lives, 3) Do no harm, 4) Future Use and 5) Scalability. We found that washable products have the potential to improve the lives of many people with long-term continence problems, but the designs tested do not work for everyone. Individual assessment and the opportunity to try out products are important. There is considerable scope for better designs and raising awareness of usage. Opinions on the products are partly shaped by the products used previously and individual financial considerations play a role. Overall, there is a clear demand for washable absorbent continence products, and innovation through co-design is urgently needed.","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144217489","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}

引用次数: 0

Adapting and validating the Satisfaction with Assistive Technology Services (SATS) scale for the Korean context. 适应和验证韩国背景下的辅助技术服务（SATS）满意度量表。

IF 2.5 4区医学

Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2025-05-28 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2507033

Wanho Jang, Jihee Woo

{"title":"Adapting and validating the Satisfaction with Assistive Technology Services (SATS) scale for the Korean context.","authors":"Wanho Jang, Jihee Woo","doi":"10.1080/10400435.2025.2507033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2025.2507033","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Satisfaction with Assistive Technology Service (SATS) instrument for the South Korean context, addressing the unique needs of assistive technology users and enhancing service-satisfaction evaluation. Following \"Principles of Good Practice\" guidelines, the SATS was translated into Korean, involving forward and backward translation, cognitive debriefing, and pre-testing with AT users and professionals. Reliability and validity were assessed through internal-consistency measures, test-retest reliability, and concurrent-validity comparison with the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology, Korean version. The SATS-K demonstrated high reliability and validity, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94 (p < 0.01). The test - retest reliability, indicated by the intraclass correlation coefficient, was 0.92 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the Pearson coefficient of the correlation between the SATS-K and the QUEST-K scores was 0.934 (p < 0.01), highlighting strong concurrent validity. The version showed notable distinctions in \"instruction & training\" satisfaction compared to European versions. Despite the potential statistical benefits of excluding the \"waiting time\" item, its retention was deemed crucial for capturing comprehensive service-satisfaction insights, particularly for highlighting the need for addressing service-delivery times. The SATS-K provides a culturally and linguistically adapted tool for evaluating AT-service satisfaction, offering significant insights for service improvement.","PeriodicalId":51568,"journal":{"name":"Assistive Technology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144162615","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}

引用次数: 0

Power wheelchair users with ALS: Impact of an alerting system on complications with prolonged sitting and power feature utilization. 肌萎缩侧索硬化症电动轮椅使用者：警报系统对长时间坐着和动力功能使用并发症的影响。

IF 2.5 4区医学

Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2025-05-09 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2497865

Amber L Ward, Carla Nooijen, Jennith Bernstein

{"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":"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.","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}

引用次数: 0

Innovative health monitoring for wheelchair users: A scoping review of smartwatch applications. 轮椅使用者的创新健康监测：智能手表应用的范围审查。

IF 2.5 4区医学

Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2025-05-08 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2496484

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":"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.","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}

引用次数: 0

Evaluation the findings of WHO rapid assistive technology assessment (rATA) in Iraq: A field-based survey. 评价世卫组织伊拉克快速辅助技术评估（rATA）的结果：一项实地调查。

IF 2.5 4区医学

Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2025-05-05 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2025.2496481

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":"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.","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}

引用次数: 0

Usability of an augmented reality bedtime routine application for autistic children. 针对自闭症儿童的增强现实睡前常规应用程序的可用性。

IF 2.5 4区医学

Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2025-05-04 Epub Date: 2024-09-03 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2024.2338277

Pouya Ahmadian, Robyn E Cardy, Gino De Luca, Azadeh Kushki

引用次数: 0

The psychological and physiological effects of a virtual reality-based treatment program in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. 基于虚拟现实的治疗方案对女性纤维肌痛综合征患者的心理和生理影响：一项随机对照试验。

IF 2.5 4区医学

Assistive Technology Pub Date : 2025-05-04 Epub Date: 2025-01-31 DOI: 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":"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 (p < 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 (p > 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.","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}

引用次数: 0