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Exp Neurol 2020 Jun 5;328:113274. Epub 2020 Mar 5.

Rice University, Deptartment of Mechanical Engineering, Houston, TX 77005, USA. Electronic address:

Individuals with tetraplegia, typically attributed to spinal cord injuries (SCI) at the cervical level, experience significant health care costs and loss of independence due to their limited reaching and grasping capabilities. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a promising intervention to restore arm and hand function because it activates a person's own paralyzed muscles; however, NMES sometimes lacks the accuracy and repeatability necessary to position the limb for functional tasks, and repeated muscle stimulation can lead to fatigue. Robotic devices have the potential to restore function when used as assistive devices to supplement or replace limited or lost function of the upper limb following SCI. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2020 Jun 12;101(6):1025-1040. Epub 2020 Feb 12.

Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia; British Columbia Women's and Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Electronic address:

Objective: Assistive technologies (ATs) support independence and well-being in people with cognitive, perceptual, and physical limitations. Given the increasing availability and diversity of ATs, evaluating the usefulness of current and emerging ATs is crucial for informed comparison. We aimed to chart the landscape and development of AT evaluation tools (ETs; ATETs) across disparate fields in order to improve the process of AT evaluation and development. Read More

NeuroRehabilitation 2019 Dec;45(4):519-524

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.

Background: Contemporary goals of rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) aim to improve cognitive and motor function by applying concepts of neuroplasticity. This can be challenging to carry out in TBI patients with motor, balance, and cognitive impairments.

Objective: To determine whether use of dynamic body-weight support (DBWS) would allow safe administration of intensive motor therapy during inpatient rehabilitation and whether its use would yield greater improvement in functional recovery than standard-of-care (SOC) therapy in adults with TBI. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2019 Dec 13:1-5. Epub 2019 Dec 13.

Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India.

Assistive devices (ADs) are an essential component for people with disability to achieve functional independence and improved quality of life. The current study explored lived experiences of adults with mobility related disability using ADs, with reference to access to ADs, facilitators and barriers in access, use and adaptation of devices and whether any changes experienced after use of ADs. Data were collected through interviews using narrative inquiry approach with 25 individuals having mobility related disabilities and who had experience of using one or more ADs for minimum 12 months. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2019 Dec 3:1-7. Epub 2019 Dec 3.

Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.

For persons with disabilities in low-resource and tropical settings, barriers to mobility and physical activity are steep. The aim of this study was to develop and test two low-cost, durable, sustainable, purpose-built wheelchair prototypes to support wheelchair users in low-resource and tropical settings. These bamboo wheelchairs, nicknamed African Chairs by Ghanaian daily manual wheelchair users who tested the devices, adopt two designs: an urban-targeted and a rural-targeted design. Read More

JMIR Aging 2019 Nov 29;2(2):e15429. Epub 2019 Nov 29.

Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, United States.

Background: The increase in life expectancy and recent advancements in technology and medical science have changed the way we deliver health services to the aging societies. Evidence suggests that home telemonitoring can significantly decrease the number of readmissions, and continuous monitoring of older adults' daily activities and health-related issues might prevent medical emergencies.

Objective: The primary objective of this review was to identify advances in assistive technology devices for seniors and aging-in-place technology and to determine the level of evidence for research on remote patient monitoring, smart homes, telecare, and artificially intelligent monitoring systems. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2019 Nov 5:1-10. Epub 2019 Nov 5.

Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.

The present study seeks to survey information and training needs of informal caregivers related to the use of assistive technologies at home, so as to, in the near future, try to meet them. Therefore, the full aim of this study is to contribute to reducing technology abandonment and to enhancing its use in the family setting by children with cognitive and/or motor limitations. Content analysis of a set of ten interviews with informal caregivers of children and youngsters with cognitive and/or motor disabilities. Read More

Hum Factors 2020 May 16;62(3):391-410. Epub 2019 Aug 16.

8808 University of Limerick, Ireland.

Objective: This pilot study proposed and performs initial testing with Exoscore, a design evaluation tool to assess factors related to acceptance of exoskeleton by older adults, during the technology development and testing phases.

Background: As longevity increases and our aging population continues to grow, assistive technologies such as exosuits and exoskeletons can provide enhanced quality of life and independence. Exoscore is a design and prototype stage evaluation method to assess factors related to perceptions of the technology, the aim being to optimize technology acceptance. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2019 11 21;60(5):513-519. Epub 2019 Aug 21.

Swedish Center for Research and Innovation, Seattle, Washington.

Background: Our pilot study tested the feasibility and performance of an eye-controlled power wheelchair for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.

Methods: In this prospective pilot study, participants drove the wheelchair three times around an indoor course. We assessed the time to complete the course; starting and stopping on command; turning 90, 135, and 180 degrees; time to backup; and obstacle negotiation. Read More

IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2019 06;2019:157-162

Individuals suffering from quadriplegia can achieve increased independence by using an assistive robotic manipulator (ARM). However, due to their disability, the interfaces that can be used to operate such devices become limited. A versatile intraoral tongue control interface (ITCI) has previously been develop for this user group, as the tongue is usually spared from disability. Read More

MEDICC Rev 2019 Apr-Jul;21(2-3):46-53

INTRODUCTION Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon. It is estimated that by 2050, one of five persons will be aged ≥60 years. In Chile, 15. Read More

J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019 07 23;16(1):95. Epub 2019 Jul 23.

Spinal Rehabilitation Laboratory - Neurological and Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Department A, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 306 -, 00179, Rome, Italy.

Background: Add-on robot-mediated therapy has proven to be more effective than conventional therapy alone in post-stroke gait rehabilitation. Such robot-mediated interventions routinely use also visual biofeedback tools. A better understanding of biofeedback content effects when used for robotic locomotor training may improve the rehabilitation process and outcomes. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Jun;98(25):e15983

Knowledge of the patient's own perception of functioning and dependence, and of environmental factors, is of significant value. The main goals of this study are (1) to obtain a general profile of the occupational performance of persons with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) and their needs related to that performance and (2) to determine the support resources (assistive technologies [AT], adjustment, and/or caregiver) required to improve or maintain their level of independence.This cross-sectional study involved 24 persons with NMD. Read More

J Alzheimers Dis 2019 ;71(s1):S115-S124

School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.

Background: Cognitive deficits and gait problems are common and progressive in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prescription of a 4-wheeled walker is a common intervention to improve stability and independence, yet can be associated with an increased falls risk.

Objectives: 1) To examine changes in spatial-temporal gait parameters while using a 4-wheeled walker under different walking conditions, and 2) to determine the cognitive and gait task costs of walking with the aid in adults with AD and healthy older adults. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2020 Jul 23;15(5):545-552. Epub 2019 Apr 23.

University College London Interaction Centre, London, UK.

Transferring to and from the wheelchair is among the most important routine tasks for many wheelchair users. Transfers are also greatly affected by many personal and external factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate personal experiences, needs and concerns of wheelchair users in relation to wheelchair transfers performed in their everyday lives. Read More

Optom Vis Sci 2018 09;95(9):766-773

Lighthouse Guild, New York, New York

There is an immediate need for noninvasive therapies to improve the functional abilities of persons blinded by traumatic injury. The BrainPort Vision Pro, an updated hands-free oral electronic vision device, enables perception of visual information using the tongue as a substitute for the eye.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the BrainPort Vision Pro on real-world functional task performance in persons who are profoundly blind (light perception or worse) due to traumatic injury (ocular or cortical). Read More

Gerontologist 2019 01;59(1):101-111

Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman.

Background And Objectives: Smart home auto-prompting has the potential to increase the functional independence of persons with dementia (PWDs) and decrease caregiver burden as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are completed at home. To improve prompting technologies, we sought to inductively understand how PWDs responded to auto-prompting while performing IADL tasks.

Research Design And Methods: Fifteen PWDs completed eight IADLs in a smart home testbed and received a hierarchy of verbal auto-prompts (indirect, direct, multimodal) as needed for task completion. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2019 07 6;14(5):489-502. Epub 2018 May 6.

c S. Raffaele Medical Care Center , Modugno , Italy.

To extend the use of assistive technology for promoting adaptive skills of children with cerebral palsy. To assess its effects on positive participation of ten participants involved. To carry out a social validation recruiting parents, physiotherapists and support teachers as external raters. Read More

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

J Healthc Eng 2018 1;2018:6916204. Epub 2018 Mar 1.

Centre of Real Time Computer Systems, Kaunas University of Technology, Baršausko St. 59-338a, Kaunas, Lithuania.

Difficulty in communicating is one of the key challenges for people suffering from severe motor and speech disabilities. Often such person can communicate and interact with the environment only using assistive technologies. This paper presents a multifunctional user interface designed to improve communication efficiency and person independence. 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 Mar 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

Child Care Health Dev 2018 03 23;44(2):203-211. Epub 2017 Nov 23.

Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Background: Consensus opinion supports standing frame use as part of postural management for nonambulant young people with cerebral palsy. Although the rationale for standing frame use and the associated challenges have been described, little attention has been given to the users' experiences. The aim of the current study was to explore young people's positive and negative experiences, and attitudes regarding standing frame use. 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

J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2017 Jan-Dec;4:2055668317725686. Epub 2017 Aug 29.

1Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.

Background And Purpose: Dependence on assistance for toileting is a widespread problem for persons receiving healthcare. Technology-assisted toilets, which hygienically wash and dry the perineal region, are devices that could improve toileting independence in a variety of patients. The objective was to investigate whether technology-assisted toilets improve toileting independence, quality of life, and whether technology-assisted toilets can provide sufficient toileting hygiene in stroke rehabilitation. 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

Assist Technol 2018 27;30(3):143-150. Epub 2017 Mar 27.

a Department of Bioengineering , Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine , London , United Kingdom.

We present a haptic interface to help deafblind people to practice horseback riding as a recreational and therapeutic activity. Horseback riding is a form of therapy which can improve self-esteem and sensation of independence. It has been shown to benefit people with various medical conditions-including autism. 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