Abstract
Background: Power wheelchair joysticks are often available as standardized ready-made products for patients with severe hand dysfunction. However, standardized joysticks have limitations in accommodating the individualized features of hand dysfunctions. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has facilitated active research on the development of joysticks that can overcome such limitations. Methods: Four subjects participated in the study to evaluate driving abilities and satisfaction after using the customized joystick for two weeks. Modified power-mobility indoor driving assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index (NASA-TLX), and psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale (PIADS; Korean version) were employed for evaluation. Results: In patients 1–3, the modified PIDA scores had the highest values in the pre-test and post-test. In patient 4, the modified PIDA score had a higher value in the post-test (mean value = 4) compared to the pre-test (mean value = 3.33). In all patients, the modified PIDA time was lower in the post-test compared to the pre-test. The NASA-TLX and PIADS values indicate that greater satisfaction was achieved through the usage of customized joysticks in the post-test. Conclusions: All patients can improve their power wheelchair driving abilities and achieve greater satisfaction. Clinical Relevance: Three-dimensional printed customized power wheelchair joysticks can offer enhanced driving abilities and satisfaction to patients with limited hand function owing to severe spinal cord injury.
Highlights
A significant number of people employ wheeled mobility for daily ambulation [1]
Disabled patients require wheelchairs for daily activities and ambulation, but some disabled patients are incapable of using a manual wheelchair owing to limited hand function due to cervical spinal cord injury [3]
Power wheelchair joysticks are often available as standardized ready-made products for patients with severe hand dysfunction, there are certain limitations in accommodating the individualized features of hand dysfunctions
Summary
A significant number of people employ wheeled mobility for daily ambulation [1]. Maintaining mobility is one of the most important prerequisites for improving the quality of life (QOL) [2]. Disabled patients require wheelchairs for daily activities and ambulation, but some disabled patients are incapable of using a manual wheelchair owing to limited hand function due to cervical spinal cord injury [3]. A clinical survey [4] reported that 18% to 26% of non-ambulatory patients who are unable to use a manual wheelchair usually cannot use a power wheelchair. Tending to wheelchair-bound patients with neurological disabilities is often difficult for caregivers. Providing assistive technologies has been identified as a potential solution to reduce the need for human assistance [5].
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