Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology
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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol · Nov 2018
Benefits and burdens: family caregivers' experiences of assistive technology (AT) in everyday life with persons with young-onset dementia (YOD).
People with dementia and their family caregivers may benefit from assistive technology (AT), but knowledge is scarce about family carers' (FC) experiences and involvement in the use of AT in everyday life. ⋯ The study found benefits for the FC, especially with simply designed AT, but also several barriers for successful use. A committed caregiver is vital throughout the process. Users will need professional advice and support, and occupational therapists may have a significant role in the process. Interventions implementing AT must be based on analysis of the needs of the person with YOD and the carers: their capabilities, preferences, embodied habits, and coping strategies. Implications for Rehabilitation Committed family carers (FC) play an important, often decisive, role in providing support for the person with young-onset dementia (YOD, onset <65 years) to use and benefit from the AT. The simpler the AT, the better. The AT should be introduced at "the right time", before the cognitive and adaptive reduction is too great. The "window" for implementation may be short. AT has potential to ease caregiving and give relief for FC. However, many barriers, difficulties and problems must be attended to. A system for individualized support over time is necessary for implementing AT for this group.
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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol · Oct 2018
Robot-assisted upper extremity rehabilitation for cervical spinal cord injuries: a systematic scoping review.
Abstact Purpose: To provide an overview of the feasibility and outcomes of robotic-assisted upper extremity training for individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), and to identify gaps in current research and articulate future research directions.
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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol · Feb 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialVirtual reality exercise on a home-based phase III cardiac rehabilitation program, effect on executive function, quality of life and depression, anxiety and stress: a randomized controlled trial.
To analyse the effect of a six-month home-based phase III cardiac rehabilitation (CR) specific exercise program, performed in a virtual reality (Kinect) or conventional (booklet) environment, on executive function, quality of life and depression, anxiety and stress of subjects with coronary artery disease. ⋯ The virtual reality format had improved selective attention and conflict resolution ability, revealing the potential of CR, specifically with virtual reality exercise, on executive function. Implications for Rehabilitation In cardiac rehabilitation, especially in phase III, it is important to develop and to present alternative strategies, as virtual reality using the Kinect in a home context. Taking into account the relationship between the improvement of the executive function with physical exercise, it is relevant to access the impact of a cardiac rehabilitation program on the executive function. Enhancing the value of the phase III of cardiac rehabilitation.
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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol · Feb 2018
Performance evaluation of 3D vision-based semi-autonomous control method for assistive robotic manipulator.
We developed a 3D vision-based semi-autonomous control interface for assistive robotic manipulators. It was implemented based on one of the most popular commercially available assistive robotic manipulator combined with a low-cost depth-sensing camera mounted on the robot base. To perform a manipulation task with the 3D vision-based semi-autonomous control interface, a user starts operating with a manual control method available to him/her. ⋯ A 3D vision-based semi-autonomous control provides the user with task specific intelligent semiautonomous manipulation assistances. A 3D vision-based semi-autonomous control gives the user the feeling that he or she is still in control at any moment. A 3D vision-based semi-autonomous control is compatible with different types of new and existing manual control methods for ARMs.
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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol · Jul 2017
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThe effect of new dynamic splint in pinch strength in De Quervain syndrome: a comparative study.
Objective For patients with De Quervain syndrome using thumb spica orthosis is restricting, so many patient are dissatisfied with using static model. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of modified dynamic and conventional static orthoses on pinch power and functional abilities of hand in De Quervain syndrome. Method In this quasi-experimental study, palmar and lateral pinch strength of the thumb, pain and functional abilities of hand, patient's satisfaction of orthoses, were evaluated after using modified dynamic and conventional static orthosis in two groups. ⋯ Conclusion It seems, adding a joint to the static thumb spica leads to patient's relief and consequently to their satisfaction. Implications for Rehabilitation The dynamic thumb spica, is easier to use and patients satisfaction is higher than static thumb spica. Therefore, it can be used for conservative treatment of De Quervain syndrome.