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Maturitas 2018 Jun 10;112:78-84. Epub 2018 Apr 10.

Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia; Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Department of Medicine - Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Australia. Electronic address:

Sarcopenia is an age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function that results in disability and loss of independence. It affects up to 30% of older adults. Exercise (particularly progressive resistance training) and nutrition are key strategies in preventing and reversing declines in muscle mass, strength and power during ageing, but many sarcopenic older adults fail to meet recommended levels of both physical activity and dietary nutrient intake. Read More

PLoS One 2018 14;13(2):e0191894. Epub 2018 Feb 14.

Habilita Care & Research Hospitals, Neurorehabilitation Unit and Department of Advanced Technology Rehabilitation & Pain Rehabilitation Units, Zingonia di Ciserano (BG), Italy.

In the last decade robotic devices have been applied in rehabilitation to overcome walking disability in neurologic diseases with promising results. Robot assisted gait training (RAGT) using the Lokomat seems not only to improve gait parameters but also the perception of well-being. Data on the psychosocial patient-robot impact are limited, in particular in the real-world of RAGT, in the rehabilitation setting. Read More

Qual Life Res 2018 03 7;27(3):597-607. Epub 2018 Feb 7.

NTAAI - Núcleo de Tecnologia Assistiva, Acessibilidade e Inovação, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to identify and organize evidence regarding quality of life influenced by assistive technology related to computers for people with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Setting: Distrito Federal, Brazil. Read More

Health Technol Assess 2017 12;21(75):1-140

School of Healthcare Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK.

Background: Dementia and diabetes mellitus are common long-term conditions that coexist in a large number of older people. People living with dementia and diabetes may be at increased risk of complications such as hypoglycaemic episodes because they are less able to manage their diabetes.

Objectives: To identify the key features or mechanisms of programmes that aim to improve the management of diabetes in people with dementia and to identify areas needing further research. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2018 10 9;13(7):626-633. Epub 2017 Sep 9.

b Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.

Purpose: To investigate whether technology-assisted toilets (TATs) could be used to improve toileting hygiene and independence for geriatric rehabilitation patients. TATs are commercially available toilet seats that use a stream of warm water to clean the user, have a fan for drying and are operated by a remote control.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-five geriatric rehabilitation in-patients were recruited, six completed the study, and seven partially completed the study. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2018 Oct 23;13(7):674-675. Epub 2017 Aug 23.

a Department of Rehabilitation , Port Kembla Hospital , Warrawong , Australia.

Environmental Control Units (ECU) are devices or a system that allows a person to control appliances in their home or work environment. Such system can be utilized by clients with physical and/or functional disability to enhance their ability to control their environment, to promote independence and improve their quality of life. Over the last several years, there have been an emergence of several inexpensive, commercially-available, voice activated smart speakers into the market such as Google Home and Amazon Echo. Read More

BMC Med 2017 07 28;15(1):141. Epub 2017 Jul 28.

Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK.

Background: Dementia and diabetes mellitus are common long-term conditions and co-exist in a large number of older people. People living with dementia (PLWD) may be less able to manage their diabetes, putting them at increased risk of complications such as hypoglycaemia. The aim of this review was to identify key mechanisms within different interventions that are likely to improve diabetes outcomes in PLWD. Read More

Sci Transl Med 2017 07;9(400)

Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Stroke-induced hemiparetic gait is characteristically slow and metabolically expensive. Passive assistive devices such as ankle-foot orthoses are often prescribed to increase function and independence after stroke; however, walking remains highly impaired despite-and perhaps because of-their use. We sought to determine whether a soft wearable robot (exosuit) designed to supplement the paretic limb's residual ability to generate both forward propulsion and ground clearance could facilitate more normal walking after stroke. Read More

New Solut 2017 Aug 29;27(2):225-245. Epub 2017 May 29.

1 Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA.

The home care workforce, already at 2.7 million caregivers, will become the nation's fastest growing occupation by 2024 as the senior boom generation accelerates the demand for in home services to meet its long-term care needs. The physically challenging work of assisting clients with intimate, essential acts of daily living places home care workers (HCWs) at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); yet, HCWs typically receive little formal job training and may lack appropriate assistive devices. Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2018 07 21;40(14):1630-1638. Epub 2017 Mar 21.

b Donald Beasley Institute , Dunedin , New Zealand.

Aim: To explore in depth the leisure participation experiences of children with movement impairments.

Methods: We used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach to interpret and understand the experiences of 22 children with movement impairments, aged between 6 and 12 years. Children expressed their views through flexible child-centred methods of data collection that allowed the children to draw, paint, use stickers, and demonstrate their leisure activities and equipment while communicating about their experiences. Read More

Global Spine J 2016 Dec 3;6(8):822-841. Epub 2016 Nov 3.

Department of Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.

 Systematic review.  (1) When used as an assistive device, do wearable exoskeletons improve lower extremity function or gait compared with knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) in patients with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury? (2) When used as a rehabilitation device, do wearable exoskeletons improve lower extremity function or gait compared with other rehabilitation strategies in patients with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury? (3) When used as an assistive or rehabilitation device, are wearable exoskeletons safe compared with KAFO for assistance or other rehabilitation strategies for rehabilitation in patients with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury?  PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases and reference lists of key articles were searched from database inception to May 2, 2016, to identify studies evaluating the effectiveness of wearable exoskeletons used as assistive or rehabilitative devices in patients with incomplete or complete spinal cord injury.  No comparison studies were found evaluating exoskeletons as an assistive device. Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2018 Jan 16;40(2):125-134. Epub 2016 Nov 16.

a Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Canada.

Purpose: To explore the evidence on rehabilitation for hospitalized patients with obesity.

Methods: Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PubMed were searched from 1994 to May 2016. Grey literature was hand-searched. Read More

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2016 Sep-Oct;49(5):644-647

Departamento de Terapia Ocupacional, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.

Introduction: : We aimed to investigate the feasibility of assistive technology (AT) devices to improve leprosy patients' occupational performances and satisfaction.

Methods: : This is a pretest-posttest design study. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to assess the occupational performance and satisfaction of five leprosy participants with grade 2 disabilities before and after ten 45-minute interventions using assistive technology devices. Read More

J Rehabil Res Dev 2016 ;53(4):433-42

Spinal Cord Injury Unit, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH;

Pressure ulcers remain a major source of morbidity and mortality in Veterans with neurologic impairment. Management of pressure ulcers typically involves pressure relief over skin regions containing wounds, but this can lead to loss of mobility and independence when the wounds are located in regions that receive pressure during sitting. An innovative, iterative design process was undertaken to improve prone cart design for persons with spinal cord injury and pressure ulceration. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2017 05 4;12(4):315-323. Epub 2016 Jul 4.

a School of Electric, Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, Universidad Industrial de Santander , Bucaramanga , Colombia.

Purpose: Localization-based technologies promise to keep older adults with dementia safe and support them and their caregivers during getting lost events. This paper summarizes mainly technological contributions to support the target group in these events. Moreover, important aspects of the getting lost phenomenon such as its concept and ethical issues are also briefly addressed. Read More

Int J Lang Commun Disord 2017 01 14;52(1):106-124. Epub 2016 Jun 14.

NARU, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

Background: Improving email writing in people with aphasia could enhance their ability to communicate, promote interaction and reduce isolation. Spelling therapies have been effective in improving single-word writing. However, there has been limited evidence on how to achieve changes to everyday writing tasks such as email writing in people with aphasia. Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2017 05 23;39(10):978-986. Epub 2016 May 23.

a Department of Medical Humanities , VU University Medical Centre , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.

Purpose: Little is known about the illness experiences of people with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD). The aim of this study was to provide insight into the illness experiences of people with FSHD in order to tailor rehabilitation programs to individual needs and expectations.

Methods: Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with FSHD. Read More

BMC Health Serv Res 2016 Apr 19;16:137. Epub 2016 Apr 19.

Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, Saint Ives, PE27 4LG, UK.

Background: There is a political drive in the UK to use assistive technologies such as telehealth and telecare as an innovative and efficient approach to healthcare delivery. However, the success of implementation of such services remains dependent on the ability to engage the wider population to adopt these services. It has been widely acknowledged that low acceptance of technology, forms a key barrier to adoption although findings been mixed. Read More

Annu Rev Nurs Res 2016 ;34:155-81

Problem: With the wide adoption and use of smart home applications, there is a need for examining ethical issues regarding smart home use at the intersection of aging, technology, and home environment.

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of ethical considerations and the evidence on these ethical issues based on an integrative literature review with regard to the utilization of smart home technologies by older adults and their family members. REVIEW DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted an integrative literature review of the scientific literature from indexed databases (e. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2016 7;11(3):177-87. Epub 2015 Nov 7.

a School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand.

Purpose: To review the scientific literature published in the last 14 years on the different types of manual wheelchairs.

Method: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to find the recent research on manual wheelchairs.

Results: The findings of 77 references on pushrim-propelled wheelchairs, crank-propelled wheelchairs, lever-propelled wheelchairs, geared manual wheelchairs and pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchairs are reported. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2016 15;11(5):353-60. Epub 2015 Sep 15.

a School of Public Health and College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , SK , Canada.

Aim: The world population is rapidly ageing. As population age, the incidence of functional limitations increases, demanding higher levels of care from caregivers. Assistive technologies improve individuals' functioning, independence, well-being and quality of life. Read More

Stud Health Technol Inform 2015 ;217:710-7

Korea National Rehabilitation Research Institute, Republic of Korea.

The hand function for persons with cervical spinal cord injury (PCSCI) is most frequently cause difficulties in leading normal lives. The purpose of this study was to test the usability of a new writing assistive device (NWAD) for PCSCI. To access its usability, the authors design usability testing method and test the NWAD to five individuals with cervical spinal cord injury. Read More

Prosthet Orthot Int 2016 Aug 27;40(4):517-21. Epub 2015 Apr 27.

Mater Private Hospital Brisbane, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Background: This article reports a rare and inspirational case of a four-limb amputee, the range of integrated technology solutions that enable him to be a productive member of his family and the process and pitfalls of seeking technology solutions.

Case Description And Methods: A complex case of bilateral transhumeral amputation and bilateral transfemoral amputation with residual upper limbs too short to oppose is presented. The multiple 'high-tech' and 'low-tech' devices used on a daily basis to move around his house and community, control his environment, communicate and feed himself without the use of limbs, prostheses or a second person are outlined. Read More

J Parkinsons Dis 2015 ;5(2):369-78

Biomedical Signal and Systems, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.

Recent advances in smart glasses, wearable computers in the form of glasses, bring new therapeutic and monitoring possibilities for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). For example, it can provide visual and auditory cues during activities of daily living that have long been used to improve gait disturbances. Furthermore, smart glasses can personalize therapies based on the state of the user and/or the user environment in real-time using object recognition and motion tracking. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2015 Jul 24;10(4):332-9. Epub 2014 Oct 24.

Department of Teaching and Leadership and.

Purpose: In this paper, the authors explore the use of mobile devices as assistive technology for students with visual impairments in resource-limited environments. This paper provides initial data and analysis from an ongoing project in Kenya using tablet devices to provide access to education and independence for university students with visual impairments in Kenya.

Method: The project is a design-based research project in which we have developed and are refining a theoretically grounded intervention--a model for developing communities of practice to support the use of mobile technology as an assistive technology. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2016 19;11(3):195-201. Epub 2014 Sep 19.

a Department of Health Sciences & Centre for Ageing and Supportive Environments (CASE) , Lund University , Lund , Sweden.

Purpose: To describe the most prominent use of or perceived unmet need of assistive technology (AT) and to compare the characteristics of users, non-users and those expressing perceived unmet need with respect to overall health, independence in everyday life, environmental barriers and socio-demographic features.

Method: The study is based on data collected in the "Home and Health in the Third Age Project". In all, 371 individuals participated and data were collected during home visits in southern Sweden by interviewers trained specifically for this project. Read More

Stud Health Technol Inform 2014 ;205:667-71

University Hospitals of Geneva, Division of Medical Information Sciences.

The demographic transition in industrialized countries leads to a growth of elderly population. This population is more prone to chronic diseases and puts an increasing pressure on the healthcare system. One way to reduce the cost associated to the support of this population is to improve its autonomy to keep it independent as long as possible. Read More

BMC Health Serv Res 2014 Jul 17;14:309. Epub 2014 Jul 17.

Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, Bangor University, Ardudwy Building, Normal Site, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2PZ, UK.

Background: Wheelchairs for disabled children (≤ 18 years) can provide health, developmental and social benefits. World Health Organisation and United Kingdom Government reports demonstrate the need for improved access to wheelchairs both locally and internationally. The use of health economics within this field is lacking. Read More

Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2014 Jul;96(5):373-6

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of bariatric surgery performed in order to improve mobility in patients with severe mobility limitations.

Methods: Patients with severe mobility impairment (wheelchair bound) who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) surgery to improve their mobility were included in this study. Patients were identified between July 2009 and October 2011 using an electronic prospective bariatric database. Read More

J Pediatr Orthop 2015 Apr-May;35(3):285-9

*California Children's Services, Children's Medical Services, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, El Monte †Children's Orthopaedic Center, Children's Hospital Los Angeles ‡Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine-University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.

Background: Long-term studies of lower extremity orthopaedic surgery in children with cerebral palsy (CP) tend to focus on gait kinematics and kinetics, with little to no emphasis on gross motor ambulatory function. The current study was undertaken to examine the long-term impact of surgery on ambulatory function in patients with CP enrolled in a government-funded, outpatient therapy program.

Methods: Retrospective medical record review was conducted of 127 children with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to IV, followed up to 14 years after lower extremity orthopaedic surgery. Read More

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2015 Feb 20;30(1):69-77. Epub 2014 Jun 20.

A.S.P. e F. Azienda Servizi alla Persona e alla Famiglia, Mantova, Italy.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most disabling diseases to affect large numbers of elderly people worldwide. Because of the characteristics of this disease, patients with AD require daily assistance from service providers both in nursing homes and at home. Domiciliary assistance has been demonstrated to be cost effective and efficient in the first phase of the disease, helping to slow down the course of the illness, improve the quality of life and care, and extend independence for patients and caregivers. Read More

Disabil Health J 2014 Jan 7;7(1 Suppl):S33-9. Epub 2013 Oct 7.

Department of Sociology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA. Electronic address:

Technologies of all kinds can sustain and accelerate improvements in health and quality of life for an aging population, and enhance the independence of persons with disabilities. Assistive technologies are widely used to promote independent functioning, but the aging of users and their devices produces unique challenges to individuals, their families, and the health care system. The emergence of new "smart" technologies that integrate information technology with assistive technologies has opened a portal to the development of increasingly powerful, individualized tools to assist individuals with disabilities to meet their needs. Read More

J Rehabil Res Dev 2014 ;51(9):1377-82

Pressure ulcers remain a major source of morbidity and mortality in veterans with neurologic impairment. Management of pressure ulcers typically involves pressure relief over skin regions containing wounds, but this can lead to loss of mobility and independence when the wounds are located in regions that receive pressure from sitting. An innovative, low-cost, multidisciplinary effort was undertaken to maximize quality of life in a veteran with a thoracic-4 level complete spinal cord injury and a stage 4 ischial wound. Read More

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2013 Nov 7;24(4):573-92. Epub 2013 Sep 7.

University of Washington Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA. Electronic address:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that causes demyelination and degeneration within the brain and spinal cord. This may result in many impairments, including impaired ambulation, muscle weakness, abnormal tone, visual disturbances, decreased sensation, and fatigue. Rehabilitation helps patients with MS maximize independence by helping to manage and minimize impairments. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2015 Jan 17;10(1):27-31. Epub 2013 Sep 17.

Faculty of Welfare, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences , Pori , Finland.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore whether or not the assistive and safety technology that is currently used in service house environment supports the active agency of the elderly residents.

Method: Twelve purposively chosen elderly residents were interviewed. The data were analyzed by theory-driven content analysis using the modalities of the agency-model as a theoretical frame. Read More

Scand J Occup Ther 2013 Nov 17;20(6):463-70. Epub 2013 Sep 17.

Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University , Linköping, Sweden.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an assistive technology (AT) intervention to improve the use of available computers as assistive technology in educational tasks for students with physical disabilities during an ongoing school year.

Methods: Fifteen students (aged 12-18) with physical disabilities, included in mainstream classrooms in Sweden, and their teachers took part in the intervention. Pre-, post-, and follow-up data were collected with Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), a computer usage diary, and with the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul 19;9(4):330-4. Epub 2013 Aug 19.

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden .

Purpose: This study evaluates the effect of electric powered wheelchairs/scooters (PWC/S) on occupational performance, social participation, health and life satisfaction. In addition, this study estimates the costs and benefits of PWC/S and describes users' experiences with the delivery process.

Methods: This prospective study has a before-and-after design. Read More

J Med Internet Res 2013 Aug 12;15(8):e159. Epub 2013 Aug 12.

Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.

Background: Reaction time, coordination, and cognition performance typically diminish in older adults, which may lead to gait impairments, falls, and injuries. Regular strength-balance exercises are highly recommended to reduce this problem and to improve health, well-being, and independence in old age. However, many older people face a lack of motivation in addition to other strong barriers to exercise. Read More

Med Eng Phys 2013 Nov 12;35(11):1613-9. Epub 2013 Jun 12.

Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States. Electronic address:

The Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance (PerMMA) is a recently developed personal assistance robot created to provide people with severe physical disabilities enhanced assistance in both mobility and manipulation. PerMMA aims to improve functional independence when a personal care attendant is not available on site. PerMMA integrates both a smart powered wheelchair and two dexterous robotic arms to assist its users in completing essential mobility and manipulation tasks during basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL). Read More

J Rehabil Res Dev 2013 ;50(2):145-60

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Human Engineering Research Laboratories, 6425 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often affects a person's ability to perform critical activities of daily living and can negatively affect his or her quality of life. Assistive technology aims to bridge this gap in order to augment function and increase independence. It is critical to involve consumers in the design and evaluation process as new technologies such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are developed. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Mar 19;9(2):121-7. Epub 2013 Apr 19.

Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital , Lincoln, NE , USA.

Purpose: To understand individuals' perceptions of technology use during inpatient rehabilitation.

Method: A qualitative phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews of 10 individuals with diverse underlying diagnoses and/or a close family member who participated in inpatient rehabilitation.

Results: Core themes focused on assistive technology usage (equipment set-up, reliability and fragility of equipment, expertise required to use assistive technology and use of mainstream technologies) and opportunities for using technology to increase therapeutic engagement (opportunities for practice outside of therapy, goals for therapeutic exercises and technology for therapeutic exercises: motivation and social interaction). Read More

Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2012 ;2012:1827-30

Institute for Knowledge Discovery, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria.

We present the prototype of a context-aware framework that allows users to control smart home devices and to access internet services via a Hybrid BCI system of an auto-calibrating sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) based BCI and another assistive device (Integra Mouse mouth joystick). While there is extensive literature that describes the merit of Hybrid BCIs, auto-calibrating and co-adaptive ERD BCI training paradigms, specialized BCI user interfaces, context-awareness and smart home control, there is up to now, no system that includes all these concepts in one integrated easy-to-use framework that can truly benefit individuals with severe functional disabilities by increasing independence and social inclusion. Here we integrate all these technologies in a prototype framework that does not require expert knowledge or excess time for calibration. Read More

BMC Med Res Methodol 2012 Dec 20;12:188. Epub 2012 Dec 20.

Background: There is growing interest in assisted living technologies to support independence at home. Such technologies should ideally be designed 'in the wild' i.e. Read More

Stud Health Technol Inform 2012 ;180:14-8

IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.

In nowadays aging society, many people require assistance for activity of daily living. In most cases technologies have the potential to improve the quality of life for the older and disabled. We show how the use of a robotic platform with some embedded intelligence, the i-Walker, can help to improve the performance of the post-stroke individuals' rehabilitation. Read More

Reumatol Clin 2013 Jan-Feb;9(1):24-30. Epub 2012 Jul 31.

Universidad Católica de Pereira UCP, Risaralda, Colombia.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the usage and accessibility problems faced by the disabled (whether in pain or not) users of assistive devices (conventional wheelchairs), identify physical barriers that limit their mobility, and recognize the socio-cultural practices excluding them from the design process of such devices. Another main purpose of this paper is to improve the ergonomic criteria that influence the design and manufacture of assistive devices.

Materials And Method:

Study Population: 15 patients with any of the following diagnoses: ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or amputees using wheelchairs in Mexico and Colombia. Read More

Scand J Occup Ther 2012 Nov 10;19(6):515-20. Epub 2012 Jul 10.

Dokuz Eylül University School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, İzmir, Turkey.

Objective: The purpose of the current study is to estimate the preliminary measurement properties of the Turkish version of Family Impact of assistive technology scale (FIATS-tr).

Method: The validity and reliability of the scale was performed in two phases. Phase I focused on construction of the Turkish version of the instrument and pilot testing. Read More

Gerontology 2012 5;58(6):554-63. Epub 2012 Jun 5.

CNRS-IPAL, Image and Pervasive Access Lab. (UMI 2955), Singapore, Singapore.

Our research was motivated by the growing aging population worldwide and the need to concentrate research efforts on a specific target group; it focuses on elderly persons with physical and cognitive deficiencies. The primary goal is to enable persons with mild dementia to maximize their physical and mental functions through assistive technologies in order to be able to continue to participate in social networks and lead independent and purposeful lives. Persons with mild dementia usually have problems in performing activities of daily living due to episodic memory decline. Read More

Dtsch Arztebl Int 2011 Dec 26;108(51-52):871-8. Epub 2011 Dec 26.

Department für Augenheilkunde, Sehbehindertenambulanz, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.

Background: Despite therapeutic progress, many diseases of the eyes and visual pathways still cause persistent visual deficits that make everyday life more difficult in many ways. Rehabilitation aims to compensate for these limitations by optimizing residual vision. The demand for visual rehabilitation will increase markedly in the near future. Read More

Clin EEG Neurosci 2011 Oct;42(4):219-24

Department Neuroelectrical Imaging and BCI Lab, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy.

Motor disability and/or ageing can prevent individuals from fully enjoying home facilities, thus worsening their quality of life. Advances in the field of accessible user interfaces for domotic appliances can represent a valuable way to improve the independence of these persons. An asynchronous P300-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system was recently validated with the participation of healthy young volunteers for environmental control. Read More

Rev Panam Salud Publica 2011 Sep;30(3):204-8

Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.

Objective: To assess the perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding the use of assistive walking devices (AWD).

Methods: Twenty-three individuals who met the inclusion criteria and used AWD were recruited from a database of 360 stroke survivors. Their mean age was 58. Read More