More research is needed in this area using designs that provide higher validity. A centred design approach is needed for developing new low-cost robots for this population. Implications for rehabilitation In spite of the potential of robots to promote development in children with ASD and CP, the limited available evidence requires researchers to conduct studies with higher validity. The low level of evidence plus the need for specialized technical support should be considered critical factors before making the decision to purchase robots for use in treatment for children with CP and ASD. A user-entered design approach would increase the chances of success for robots to improve functional, learning, and educative outcomes in children with ASD and CP. We recommend that developers use this approach. The participation of interdisciplinary teams in the design, development, and implementation of new robotic systems is of extra value. We recommend the design and development of low-cost robotic systems to make robots more affordable.
This study proposes a hands-on activity as an experimental alternative method to teach biomedical engineering students the osmosis phenomenon. The students were guided along a learning path that involved their participation in the design and construction of a test device used to measure osmotic flow rate. Thereafter, an experiment was conducted with the test device. The students analysed the obtained experimental values, which provided them with evidence of the functionality of the device. In addition, they were provided with the opportunity to suggest improvements and to propose alternatives to expand the use of the device to test other transport phenomena such as diffusion. Moreover, a student perception survey was conducted, and the results showed that this proposed plan allows for a better understanding of the phenomenon and stimulates the curiosity of students, improving the receptiveness, key in the learning process of the students.
Introduction: New technologies are increasingly used by the health sector for its implementation in therapeutic interventions. However, in the case of speech therapists, there are many unknown free software-based tools, which could support their daily work. This paper summarizes fourteen free software-based tools that can support interventions in early stimulation, assessment and control of voice and speech, several resources for augmentative and alternative communication and tools that facilitate access to the computer. Materials and methods: The information presented here is the result of a general review of software-based tools designed to treat human communication disorders. Criteria for inclusion and exclusion were established to select tools and these were installed and tested. Results: 22 tools were found and 14 were selected and classified in these categories: Early stimulation and attentional capture, acoustic signal voice processing, speech processing, Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Other; the latter includes tools for access to the computer without the need for advanced computer skills. Discussion: The set of tools discussed in this paper provides free computer-based tools to therapists in order to support their interventions. It additionally promotes the improvement of computer skills, so necessary in today's society of professionals.
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