Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology
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Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly prevalent and significant cause of disability which is often resistant to pharmacological management. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology with the potential to influence CLBP, and has been suggested as an alternative to opioids for pain management. VR is a goalfocused, computer-simulated reality allowing modification of the user's experience of their perceived world. ⋯ VR has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing acute, experimental and chronic pain. This review describes the theoretical basis of the therapeutic effects of VR on CLBP via three distinct mechanisms: distraction, neuromodulation and graded exposure therapy. Furthermore, clinical application will be considered, including discussion of ethical issues associated with the technology.Implications for rehabilitationVirtual reality (VR) is suggested as an alternative for opioids in the management of acute and chronic pain.The therapeutic mechanisms of VR in chronic low back pain (CLBP) are equivocal but include distraction, neuromodulation of body perception and graded exposure therapy.VR may show greater efficacy in patients with CLBP with associated kinesiophobia.VR may show greater effect with increased immersion.
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Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an innovative technology being utilized to create prostheses for individuals with limb loss. However, there is a paucity of research on the feasibility of using this technology to fabricate prostheses. A scoping review was conducted to map the literature on 3D printing and its applications in the field of amputation. ⋯ The use of 3D printing technology has a number of benefits for improving the manufacturing process of devices for people with lower and upper limb loss. However, more research and technological advancements are required to fully understand the impact of this technology on patients and how it will affect their daily life. The long-term effects of this technology will also need to be investigated in order to produce a more sustainable alternative to traditional prostheses.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe use of 3D printing technology for the fabrication of prosthetics for persons with limb-loss has a number of promising features to improve the fitting and customization of these devices for this patient population.Although the costs of producing 3D printed devices is less expensive and burdensome than traditional approaches to manufacturing techniques, there is a need for additional technological advancements to improve the functionality of these devices.Future research needs to adopt more robust research designs with larger sample sizes to provide a better understanding of the viability of using 3D printing technology to improve patient outcomes.
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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol · Oct 2020
ReviewA review of computer vision for semi-autonomous control of assistive robotic manipulators (ARMs).
Purpose: The advances in artificial intelligence have started to reach a level where autonomous systems are becoming increasingly popular as a way to aid people in their everyday life. Such intelligent systems may especially be beneficially for people struggling to complete common everyday tasks, such as individuals with movement-related disabilities. The focus of this paper is hence to review recent work in using computer vision for semi-autonomous control of assistive robotic manipulators (ARMs). ⋯ Especially the ability to customize the semi-autonomous behaviour of the ARM is found to be important. Further research is needed to make the final move from the lab to the homes of the users. Most of the reviewed systems suffer from a rather fixed scheme for the semi-autonomous control and an inability to handle arbitrary objects.
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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol · Jul 2020
ReviewIterative processes: a review of semi-supervised machine learning in rehabilitation science.
Purpose: To define semi-supervised machine learning (SSML) and explore current and potential applications of this analytic strategy in rehabilitation research. Method: We conducted a scoping review using PubMed, GoogleScholar and Medline. Studies were included if they: (1) described a semi-supervised approach to apply machine learning algorithms during data analysis and (2) examined constructs encompassed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). ⋯ Semi-supervised machine learning approaches uses a combination of labelled and unlabelled data to produce accurate predictive models, thereby requiring less user-input data than other machine learning approaches (i.e., supervised, unsupervised), reducing resource cost and user-burden. Semi-supervised machine learning is an iterative process that, when applied to rehabilitation assessment and outcomes, could produce accurate personalized models for treatment. Rehabilitation researchers and data scientists should collaborate to implement semi-supervised machine learning approaches in rehabilitation research, optimizing the power of large datasets that are becoming more readily available within the field (e.g., EEG signals, sensors, smarthomes).
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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol · Feb 2020
ReviewGeospatial assistive technologies for wheelchair users: a scoping review of usability measures and criteria for mobile user interfaces and their potential applicability.
Background: Wheelchair users are increasingly using route planners and navigation systems to help them get around the city. The absence of a list of usability criteria for wheelchair user-centred design and recommending geospatial assistive technologies creates uncertainty about the choices to be made by rehabilitation clinicians and geographic information systems specialists. The aim of this study was to compile such a list by identifying usability criteria from standardized questionnaires linked to user interfaces and geospatial assistive technologies (GATs). ⋯ Clinicians should have in mind that WC users want to plan a route with as few obstacles as possible. Information on the screen should be accessible to WC users (text, contrast, symbols, graphics, photos, voice, vibration, route views). Hands are occupied with the hand rims, WC users would prefer "listen to verbal" instructions to continue their route instead of looking on their electronic device. 34 criteria are specific for route planning and navigation task.