Computer assistive technology and associations with quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Baldassin, Valéria; Shimizu, Helena Eri; Fachin-Martins, Emerson

doi:10.1007/s11136-018-1804-9

Cited by 32 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Assistive technology (AT) is defined by the World Health Organization as ‘systems and services related to the delivery of assistive products and services [that] maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence, thereby promoting their well-being’ (World Health Organization, 2018). AT has been shown to improve quality of life for people with a range of different needs including people with neurodevelopmental conditions (Lancioni & Singh, 2014), cognitive impairment and dementia (Klimova et al, 2018), physical disabilities (Baldassin et al, 2018) and the elderly (Agree & Freedman, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of everyday and assistive technology in the lives of older autistic adults

Zheng

Foley

Grove

et al. 2021

Autism

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Assistive technologies have the potential to provide accessible support to people with varying needs and abilities, including older autistic adults. However, there is currently limited knowledge about how older autistic adults use technology in their daily lives, whether it is sufficient to meet their needs and whether they experience any barriers to technology use. To address these questions, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 autistic adults aged over 50 years. Using thematic analysis, we identified two major themes related to how older autistic adults use technology: ‘Helping to Manage the External Environment’ and ‘Increasing Everyday Accessibility and Convenience’. Overall, participants reported experiencing a number of challenges associated with performing everyday activities and while technology was able to offer some assistance, a number of gaps still remain in meeting the support needs of this population. Based on these findings, we offer some guidelines and recommendations for technology use with this population to guide future research and practice. Lay abstract Technology has the potential to help people with various support needs live more autonomous lives. This includes autistic individuals. In this article, we look at how older autistic adults use technology in their daily lives. Past research examining technology use and autism has mainly focused on helping children to learn new skills. To date, very little research has been conducted looking at how to create and design technology for use by older autistic adults. This is concerning because older autistic adults will likely have supports needs that match or exceed those of similarly aged non-autistic individuals. In this article, we spoke to autistic adults over 50 years about their daily experiences and how they use technology. We identified some important ways that older autistic adults use technology in their daily lives, as well as a number of support needs and barriers to technology use. Based on the findings, we were able to provide some guidelines and recommendations for technology developers and service providers to assist with designing, creating and using technology with older autistic adults.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of everyday and assistive technology in the lives of older autistic adults

Zheng

Foley

Grove

et al. 2021

Autism

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Specific wheelchair features that influence patient satisfaction include ergonomic components (e.g., arm and head rests), reclining and tilting capabilities, customizable controls, and controls that allow caregivers to operate wheelchairs . However, there is mixed evidence supporting the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and mobility in the ALS population, perhaps because a requirement for assistive technology is associated with reduced independence and more advanced disease …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…9 However, there is mixed evidence supporting the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and mobility in the ALS population, perhaps because a requirement for assistive technology is associated with reduced independence and more advanced disease. 13,14 While previous studies have shown a favorable effect of mobility on QOL in patients with ALS, others have not supported this relationship. [15][16][17][18] Studies that counter the relationship between mobility and QOL show that social interactions and leisure activities are more important determinants of QOL than mobility.…”

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confidence: 99%

Eye‐controlled, power wheelchair performs well for ALS patients

et al. 2019

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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. Following their use of the wheelchair, subjects were given a questionnaire to assess user experience. Results Twelve patients participated, and all were able to complete three trials without difficulty. Eight participants completed all of the individual tasks (eg, turning, stopping, etc.) without any errors. Overall performance ratings were high across all participants (4.6/5‐excellent). Conclusions Our eye‐controlled power wheelchair prototype is feasible and has a very favorable user experience. This system has the potential to improve the mobility and independence of ALS patients, and other groups with motor impairments.

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“…Loss of voluntary upper extremity control alongside preserved cognitive function is common in persons with high spinal cord injuries (SCI), and can result in difficulty operating computers [1, 2]. As computers play an important role in everyday life, and specifically in social participation, the ability to control them can have significant bearing on quality of life (QOL)[3]. In particular, affected individuals may find themselves marginalized and unable to stay maintain social ties.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification of clinically related requirements of a novel assistive device for people with a high spinal cord injury

et al. 2019

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People with spinal cord injuries (SCI), and particularly with high level lesions, can potentially lose the ability to effectively operate computers. The Multimedia Authoring and Management using your Eyes and Mind (MAMEM) project aims to design and produce a novel assistive device to support computer use by individuals with SCI and other disabilities. The solution harnesses eye tracking and brain waves, as measured by encephalography (EEG), to manipulate common computer functions. This paper describes the first step in the project, during which we defined clinically related requirements of the assistive device. These definitions were based on data from three sources: (1) a narrative review; (2) a focus group of SCI rehabilitation professionals; and (3) structured questionnaires administrated to potential computer users with SCI, addressing computer-use habits, barriers, and needs. We describe both the collection of data from each source and the clinically related requirements extracted. The novel three-source requirement assessment method is discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of each data source are reported. In conclusion, we suggest that this approach makes it possible to organize, discuss, and prioritize the requirements, and to create a work program while planning the device. This increases our level of certainty that the efficacy and adequacy of the assistive device will be maximized, in terms of the clinical needs of users.

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Computer assistive technology and associations with quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Abstract: Despite the scarcity of studies and their methodological limitations, there is evidence that assistive technology for computer access favors the quality of life of people with tetraplegia due to SCI, since it improves participation, independence, and self-esteem.

Cited by 32 publications

References 24 publications

The use of everyday and assistive technology in the lives of older autistic adults

The use of everyday and assistive technology in the lives of older autistic adults

Eye‐controlled, power wheelchair performs well for ALS patients

Identification of clinically related requirements of a novel assistive device for people with a high spinal cord injury

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