Electric Wheelchair Users Research Articles

Assessment of driving skills using Virtual Reality: Comparative survey on experts and unskilled users of electric wheelchairs

Assessment of driving skills using Virtual Reality: Comparative survey on experts and unskilled users of electric wheelchairs

Advancements in Power Wheelchair Joystick Technology: Effects of Isometric Joysticks and Signal Conditioning on Driving Performance

An estimated 125,000 Americans with movement disorders that preclude independent mobility in a power wheelchair could benefit from improved control devices. We developed variable gain algorithm (VGA) software for our isometric joystick (IJ) that allows it to emulate a commercially available motion-sensing joystick (MSJ) in performance but retain the unique customizable features of an isometric control. Force sensing algorithm (FSA) software allowed the IJ to function as a simple isometric device. Using a Fitts' Law paradigm, we compared driving performance with floor targets using a standard MSJ and an IJ with both FSA and VGA software in 11 electric power wheelchair users with a variety of impairments. Outcome measures were reaction time (RT), movement time (MT), and driving accuracy (DA). The IJ with FSA had a significantly shorter RT than the MSJ (P < 0.0020). The IJ with FSA had a significantly longer MT than the MSJ to far targets (P < 0.0159). No differences were found between the IJ with VGA and the MSJ with respect to RT or MT. No differences in DA were found among any of the joysticks. VGA software allowed the IJ to function similarly to the MSJ with respect to RT, MT, and DA.

1C1-07 電動車いす使用者の身体的負担評価 : 段差走行時および後方確認時(OS 車いす支援システム)

1C1-07 電動車いす使用者の身体的負担評価 : 段差走行時および後方確認時(OS 車いす支援システム)

An Electric Wheelchair Mounted Robotic Arm—A Survey of Potential Users

This paper describes the results of a survey which investigated and evaluated the needs and abilities of electric wheelchair users. The results of this survey will be used to develop a low-cost electric wheelchair-mounted robotic arm for use by physically disabled people to facilitate rehabilitation. The survey was undertaken by the author together with staff and students from occupational therapist training colleges, using a four-page questionnaire containing over 110 questions. The questionnaire was developed by the author together with Dr Robin Platts (Director of Orthotics), Mr Ian Bayley (Director of the London Spinal Unit) and senior occupational therapists at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex. After a successful trial the questionnaire was used with 50 severely disabled people from various backgrounds and social circumstances. The results of this survey show that the average electric wheelchair user is 40 years old, single (68%), living at home (58%) with family support (69%) and without any paid employment (79%). The most prevalent disability is spinal cord injury (24%) followed by multiple sclerosis (16%). The survey has identified several tasks which electric wheelchair users find impossible to do, and some of these will form part of the design specification. Finally 84% of the survey subjects would consider buying such a robotic aid.

Hybrid-powered wheelchair: a combination of arm force and electrical power for propelling a wheelchair.

Many of the handicapped who could use a hand-driven wheelchair do not have sufficient arm force, arm movement and/or endurance for proper propulsion. Furthermore, there are users of electric wheelchairs who still have some arm functions and strength. In some cases a hand-driven chair, which can be propelled with reduced arm power, could be a better solution. By means of simulation, a study has been carried out to investigate the possibility of propelling a wheelchair by means of hybrid powering. Hybrid powering can be defined as a combination of arm force and electrical power. Using this hybrid principle, the necessary arm force can be decreased.

A microcomputer training system for electric wheelchair users

The problem addressed by this paper is the need to assess a severely physically handicapped person's ability to drive a joystick controlled electric wheelchair, and the parallel need for training in the use of a motorised chair. The only alternative assessment method is to obtain a motorised chair and place the person being assessed in it. This can involve considerable wasted expense if a chair is bought which subsequently proves to be unsuitable. When an unskilled person is practising using a motorised wheelchair constant supervision is necessary, which can be very time consuming. This paper outlines the development of a computer-based means of assessment and training for motorised wheelchair users. A suite of programs has been developed to run on a BBC microcomputer, which allows the ability of a severely physically handicapped person to be tested. The assessments which can be made include tests of the ability to make simple joystick movements in response to a prompt, and more complex investigations of the skills necessary to guide a wheelchair around barriers and obstacles. In addition to their use for assessment the programs can be used repeatedly for training, and a point-scoring system is included to indicate what improvement has been made. The software has been developed to resemble a computer game to facilitate its use with children, and makes extensive use of the BBC computer's colour graphics and sound generator. The software has been used by a number of establishments and individuals, and some user reactions are included in the paper.