Wheelchair Technology Research Articles

POWER ASSIST ADD-ONS FOR OLDER ADULT MANUAL WHEELCHAIR USERS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract Manual wheelchairs can promote independence among users of all ages. However, there are age-related differences in the level of disability, strength, stamina, and the environmental conditions within which the wheelchair is used. Using power assist add-ons may mitigate these limitations and help individuals in independent mobility. A gap in the literature is an understanding of the ways in which aging may limit the functionality of power assists on wheelchairs and the impact on independence and active aging. This scoping review analyzes scientific and gray literature to examine the use of power assist add-ons among older adults who use manual wheelchairs, as well as their advantages, limitations, and potential benefits in promoting independence and active aging. This review was guided by the PRISMA checklist for scoping reviews, and the Arksey and O’Malley review methodology. The literature search was carried out in two phases: 1) a keyword and MeSH search of electronic databases, proceedings, as well as symposia for relevant titles/abstracts; and 2) a search of Google and Google Scholar, as well as hand searches. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 20 publications with a focus on power-assist wheelchair technology for full review. Results indicate that power-assist add-ons for manual wheelchairs show promise in improving mobility and reducing user exertion for older adults. However, concerns regarding safety, indoor maneuverability, and user preferences highlight the need for specialized training and retrofitting power assist add-ons, especially among older users. Further research on user-centered design, and adherence to safety standards are warranted.

“I Don't Need Easy; I Just Need to Move”: Evaluating Wheelchair Technologies for a More Inclusive World

The wheelchair is an extreme representation of mobility through walking activities. Functionally, a wheelchair is an assistive device for people who cannot walk. However, from a “persona” perspective, a wheelchair is a part of the body that works differently from the way walking on two feet does. Both perspectives are valid, and their trains of thought are inseparable from the existence of technology. People with disabilities who cannot walk use technology to get to know the world. Conversely, the world is shaped through the experience of technology used by people who cannot walk. Wheelchairs are one of the technologies that change the construction of the world. The physical and social environment changes according to the needs of wheelchair users and the development of wheelchair technology. For example, battery technology and brushless DC motors are part of technologies that can be used to expand the displacement of a wheelchair, so that wheelchair users can expand their social interactions. The question is, which design is appropriate for technology to be used properly by wheelchair users? To answer this question, this article invites discussion about scenarios and designs that are appropriate for wheelchair users to weave into their environment. The approach is phenomenological, looking especially at the experience of wheelchair users who get to know and shape the world through technology. Experience mining, adapted from experimental design, within depth interviews, talk-aloud protocols, observations, and confirmations produce comparisons of experiences using appropriate technologies. The result of this research is a prototype which can be developed to help wheelchair users expand their micromobility or urban mobility. Keywords: appropriateness, disability, experimental design, wheelchair

Optimization of Wheelchair Control via Multi-Modal Integration: Combining Webcam and EEG

Even though Electric Powered Wheelchairs (EPWs) are a useful tool for meeting the needs of people with disabilities, some disabled people find it difficult to use regular EPWs that are joystick-controlled. Smart wheelchairs that use Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) technology present an efficient solution to this problem. This article presents a cutting-edge intelligent control wheelchair that is intended to improve user involvement and security. The suggested method combines facial expression analysis via a camera with EEG signal processing using the EMOTIV Insight EEG dataset. The system generates control commands by identifying specific EEG patterns linked to facial expressions such as eye blinking, winking left and right, and smiling. Simultaneously, the system uses computer vision algorithms and inertial measurements to analyze gaze direction in order to establish the user’s intended steering. The outcomes of the experiments prove that the proposed system is reliable and efficient in meeting the various requirements of people, presenting a positive development in the field of smart wheelchair technology.

Evaluation of Conventional and Smart Wheelchair Technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

A significant number of people depend on the help of others to facilitate their mobility in wheelchairs. Physical disabilities hinder the mobility of persons with disabilities, making them unable to move around using conventional (manually operated) wheelchairs. Furthermore, people lack the ability to regain an upright posture if the chair falls. This study aims to evaluate conventional and smart wheelchair technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study was conducted through a quantitative and cross-sectional research methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of wheelchair technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is done by collecting data from wheelchair users, experts, and specialists in this field, such as medical engineers and others familiar with wheelchairs. The evaluation included the opinions of users and experts on the use of traditional and smart chairs in terms of the technologies used, ease of use, advantages, disadvantages, etc. More than 590 users and experts from all regions of the Kingdom participated in the study, and their answers were characterized by objectivity and realism. About 39% of participants indicated that smart wheelchairs are very effective, and 37.6% confirmed that these chairs can be used on many surfaces, while 23.4% expressed their appreciation that smart wheelchairs are useful for various purposes and terrains. On the other hand, the results showed that smart wheelchairs had high purchase and maintenance costs of 37.4%. This was followed by concerns about more maintenance requirements (23.5%), the need for constant charging (20.4%), and the need for users to be aware of energy use (18.7%). The results show some advantages of using traditional wheelchairs, such as low maintenance, lightweight, and often affordability. This type of chair faces many difficulties, such as crossing slopes and long distances, requiring some strength for use, and users needing assistance to move around. The study revealed significant progress in wheelchair technology, especially in smartphones and navigation. Evaluating existing wheelchair technology in Saudi Arabia has shown significant advances, especially in urban areas and healthcare institutions. Motorized electric wheelchairs are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to enhance users’ mobility. However, the availability of high-end wheelchair models and their accompanying accessories remains limited.

Smart Wheel Chair for Specially Abled People

Numerous people experience either temporary or permanent disability as a result of illnesses or accidents. When one's mobility is difficult or impossible, using a wheelchair becomes essential. Wheelchairs that are manually or electrically operated sufficiently satisfy the requirements of people with mild to moderate disabilities, enabling them to drive the wheelchair on their own. However, using a wheelchair independently becomes difficult or impossible in cases of severe handicap. To overcome these obstacles, wheelchair technology researchers are working to create intelligent wheelchair solutions. This paper reviews recent research on smart wheelchair systems with the goal of evaluating current technology and identifying future areas of research.

Implementation of Power Assist Wheelchair Technology at Elderly Integrated Health Posts

The increasing elderly population presents significant mobility and quality of life challenges. This study aims to develop an electric wheelchair specifically designed to meet the needs of the elderly, focusing on comfort, safety, and independence. The developed electric wheelchair features a suspension system that provides a comfortable and secure ride by absorbing shocks and vibrations on uneven surfaces. Testing results indicate a significant improvement in the independence and mobility of elderly users and reduced injury risks from falls or collisions. The suspension system has proven effective in enhancing user comfort, reducing fatigue, and providing a smoother and safer riding experience. This study concludes that an electric wheelchair designed with the specific needs of the elderly in mind, including innovative suspension features, can significantly improve their quality of life.

Revolutionizing Accessibility: Smart Wheelchair Robot and Mobile Application for Mobility, Assistance, and Home Management

This research aims to advance accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. We focus on specific daily challenges facing people with disabilities in communication, mobility, and daily task management and introduce AssistEase, a groundbreaking smart wheelchair solution designed to empower people with disabilities by improving mobility, communication capabilities, and daily task management. AssistEase will contribute to the disabled community around the world by allowing them to manage daily tasks and communicate more easily while ensuring mobility. AssistEase offers control options such as handsfree voice control, traditional manual control, smartphone-based Bluetooth control, or innovative gesture control, designed to cater to different user preferences and needs. This uses technologies such as speech recognition, computer vision, and haptic [92] feedback to help users navigate safely while avoiding obstacles. It integrates technologies like Flutter, TensorFlow, YOLOV8, Global Positioning System (GPS), Bluetooth, and Apple Home Kit, along with hardware components including Arduino and Raspberry PI. Preliminary trials have shown improvements in mobility, communication, and daily tasks for users in need. It achieves 95% precision in guiding wheelchair users while maintaining about 90% accuracy for the robotic arm and 89% for health monitoring and location tracking. Also, it provides a user-friendly app with 90% control accuracy. The communication device has 92% accuracy in facilitating user communication, while hand gesture control achieves 90% accuracy. To advance AssistEase smart wheelchair technology, further research, and development are required to enhance its adaptability for specific disabilities. AssistEase reflects a commitment to creating a more inclusive and thriving society, focusing on innovation and inclusion for individuals of all abilities.

A review on smart robotic wheelchairs with advancing mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities

This research paper presents a comprehensive review of smart robotic wheelchairs and their impact on enhancing mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities. Traditional wheelchairs often impose limitations on users, resulting in reduced freedom of movement and limited accessibility. The emergence of smart robotic wheelchairs offers a promising solution to address these challenges. This paper provides an overview of wheelchair technology, identifies the specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and explores the advantages and limitations of smart robotic wheelchairs through a review of previous research studies. The features and functionalities of smart robotic wheelchairs, including navigation and obstacle avoidance capabilities, autonomous and semi-autonomous modes, and customizable control options, are discussed. User experience and performance evaluation, along with the impact on mobility and independence, are examined. The paper concludes with future directions and recommendations to guide further research and development in this important field, aiming to empower individuals with disabilities and improve their quality of life.

BCI-controlled wheelchairs: end-users’ perceptions, needs, and expectations, an interview-based study

Purpose Brain-computer interface (BCI)-controlled wheelchairs have the potential to improve the independence of people with mobility impairments. The low uptake of BCI devices has been linked to a lack of knowledge among researchers of the needs of end-users that should influence BCI development. Materials and methods This study used semi-structured interviews to learn about the perceptions, needs, and expectations of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with regards to a BCI-controlled wheelchair. Topics discussed in the interview include: paradigms, shared control, safety, robustness, channel selection, hardware, and experimental design. The interviews were recorded and then transcribed. Analysis was carried out using coding based on grounded theory principles. Results The majority of participants had a positive view of BCI-controlled wheelchair technology and were willing to use the technology. Core issues were raised regarding safety, cost and aesthetics. Interview discussions were linked to state-of-the-art BCI technology. The results challenge the current reliance of researchers on the motor-imagery paradigm by suggesting end-users expect highly intuitive paradigms. There also needs to be a stronger focus on obstacle avoidance and safety features in BCI wheelchairs. Finally, the development of control approaches that can be personalized for individual users may be instrumental for widespread adoption of these devices. Conclusions This study, based on interviews with SCI patients, indicates that BCI-controlled wheelchairs are a promising assistive technology that would be well received by end-users. Recommendations for a more person-centered design of BCI controlled wheelchairs are made and clear avenues for future research are identified. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Brain-computer interface (BCI)-controlled wheelchairs are a promising assistive technology. The majority of participants had positive views of these devices and showed a willingness to try out such a device. Concerns centered on safety, cost and aesthetics. Integrated obstacle avoidance was viewed positively by most of the participants, but some had a negative view, expressing concerns about its safety, or reduced autonomy. Customizable control options should thus be integrated to cater for the needs of different individuals.

AI advances in wheelchair navigation and control: A comprehensive review

This paper presents a systematic review of the literature on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to improve wheelchair navigation and control for people with mobility impairments. The review covers a range of AI-based approaches including computer vision, machine learning, and path planning algorithms. The paper highlights the potential benefits of integrating AI into wheelchair technology, including increased safety, autonomy, and personalized control. The review discusses the limitations and challenges of current wheelchair navigation and control systems, and how AI can address these limitations. The paper identifies common themes and trends in the literature and summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of existing AI-based wheelchair navigation and control systems. Finally, the paper concludes by discussing the potential future directions for research and development of AI-based wheelchair navigation and control systems. This review paper provides a valuable resource for researchers and engineers interested in developing and improving AI-based wheelchair technology.

Robust dynamic control algorithm for uncertain powered wheelchairs based on sliding neural network approach

<abstract><p>The dynamic model of mobile wheelchair technology requires developing and implementing an intelligent control system to improve protection, increasing performance efficiency, and creating precise maneuvering in indoor and outdoor spaces. This work aims to design a robust tracking control algorithm based on a reference model for operating the kinematic model of powered wheelchairs under the variation of system parameters and unknown disturbance signals. The control algorithm was implemented using the pole placement method in combination with the sliding mode control (PP-SMC) approach. The design also adopted a neural network approach to eliminate system uncertainties from perturbations. The designed method utilized the sinewave signal as an essential input signal to the reference model. The stability of a closed-loop control system was achieved by adopting the Goa reaching law. The performance of the proposed tracking control system was evaluated in three scenarios under different conditions. These included assessing the tracking under normal operation conditions, considering the tracking performance by changing the dynamic system's parameters and evaluating the control system in the presence of uncertainties and external disturbances. The findings demonstrated that the proposed control method efficiently tracked the reference signal within a small error based on mean absolute error (MAE) measurements, where the range of MAE was between 0.08 and 0.12 in the presence of uncertainties or perturbations.</p></abstract>

‘A small leap for disabled man’: the athlete-led evolution of the sports wheelchair and adaptive sports

ABSTRACT The history of the sporting wheelchair demonstrates that wheelchair athletes and non-disabled medical professionals – two distinct social groups as defined by the Social Construction of Technology – held different interpretations of wheelchair sport and technology, and their purpose. Originating as a form of rehabilitation, wheelchairs and wheelchair sport were once interpreted solely within the medical realm, resulting in restricted technical development for sporting wheelchairs due to concerns around user safety. Wheelchair athletes, however, adapted their equipment in resistance of medicalised rules, based on their reinterpretation of the technology and desire to advance wheelchair-based sports beyond the institution, legitimising technical innovation as a site of agency for disabled athletes. In doing so, the functionality and form of wheelchairs evolved, facilitating the creation of specialised, sport-specific wheelchairs, such as the basketball wheelchair and racing wheelchair. In response to this, the rules of these sports were altered, stabilising the athletes’ interpretation of wheelchair technology as sporting devices, and wheelchair sport as elite competition.

PENGEMBANGAN ALAT OLAHRAGA KURSI RODA BALAP BAGI ANAK TUNADAKSA BERBASIS ERGONOMI DAN ANTROPHOMETRI

The purpose of the research: to develop a racing wheelchair for wheelchair racing activities for children with disabilities based on local anthropometry and ergonomics. This research is an RnD research, namely the development of media or sports equipment for children with physical disabilities. The research method used is the ADDIE method. The subjects of this study were two children with physical disabilities in SLB YPAC Surakarta. Data collection is obtained from library books, then looking for supporting paper data. After that, the data collected is analyzed, designing the development of a racing wheelchair, implementing and evaluating so that a conclusion can be drawn. Secondary data were obtained from literature books that underlie special education technology for children. Primary data is obtained from papers or journals on official websites on the internet. The data that has been collected is compiled and then analyzed, to obtain an appropriate conclusion. The results showed that children with physical disabilities need a racing wheelchair by the specifications of their needs, with high quality and affordable prices. Expert validators, practitioners, and users respond positively to the model developed through aspects of attractiveness, motivation, and convenience. The racing wheelchair design that has been developed is effective as a sporting tool for racing wheelchairs based on ergonomics and anthropometry through aspects of media convenience, display of media results and technical quality, the effectiveness of sports equipment. Conclusion: Children with physical impairment in doing sports activities need anthropometric and ergonomic local-based racing wheelchair technology.

MEMS Operated Automatic Wheelchair

The limitations with ancient wheel chairs chiefly embrace exibility, weight and restricted functions. several developments are created within the field of wheel chair technology; however, these couldn't aid the quadriplegics to navigate severally. Automatic wheel chair victimization MEMS technology enabled the top and neck quality of quadriplegics in a very price effective manner. The position of user’s head is born-again into speed and direction by the system. MEMS detector and PIC controller square measure the most components of the system. The amendment in direction of head is detected by the MEMS detector and corresponding signal is given to microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the wheel chair directions with the assistance of DC motors.

EEG-Based Eye Movement Recognition Using Brain-Computer Interface and Random Forests.

Discrimination of eye movements and visual states is a flourishing field of research and there is an urgent need for non-manual EEG-based wheelchair control and navigation systems. This paper presents a novel system that utilizes a brain–computer interface (BCI) to capture electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from human subjects while eye movement and subsequently classify them into six categories by applying a random forests (RF) classification algorithm. RF is an ensemble learning method that constructs a series of decision trees where each tree gives a class prediction, and the class with the highest number of class predictions becomes the model’s prediction. The categories of the proposed random forests brain–computer interface (RF-BCI) are defined according to the position of the subject’s eyes: open, closed, left, right, up, and down. The purpose of RF-BCI is to be utilized as an EEG-based control system for driving an electromechanical wheelchair (rehabilitation device). The proposed approach has been tested using a dataset containing 219 records taken from 10 different patients. The BCI implemented the EPOC Flex head cap system, which includes 32 saline felt sensors for capturing the subjects’ EEG signals. Each sensor caught four different brain waves (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) per second. Then, these signals were split in 4-second windows resulting in 512 samples per record and the band energy was extracted for each EEG rhythm. The proposed system was compared with naïve Bayes, Bayes Network, k-nearest neighbors (K-NN), multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine (SVM), J48-C4.5 decision tree, and Bagging classification algorithms. The experimental results showed that the RF algorithm outperformed compared to the other approaches and high levels of accuracy (85.39%) for a 6-class classification are obtained. This method exploits high spatial information acquired from the Emotiv EPOC Flex wearable EEG recording device and examines successfully the potential of this device to be used for BCI wheelchair technology.

User perceptions of powered wheelchair features.

There has been a substantial increase in recent years in the availability of powered wheelchairs and associated features. However, the psychological factors explaining feature use are poorly understood. The current study aims to explore this issue. Semi-structured interviews of 15 British wheelchairs users were conducted; all had a range of disabilities and clinically prescribed seating functions. Our aim was to explore participants’ perceptions in terms of engagement and use of their wheelchair technology. Interview schedules were generated based on prior research on psychological factors associated with health and well-being. Questions focused on participants’ knowledge of features and how to use them, perceived barriers and facilitating factors, motivation to use, and perceptions of social support. A theory led thematic analysis identified three themes: (a) clinical benefits and functional alternatives, (b) expectations versus reality, and (c) the impact of other people. There was diversity in the perceptions that users had of their equipment, with positive views of features linking to users’ experience of functional benefits and matches between equipment and prior expectations. Recommendations are made to highlight functional as well as clinical benefits, to explore therapists’ experiences of their practice, to consider how information could be presented, and to explore uses of social support and innovative technologies in future work.

Supplemental Material for User perceptions of powered wheelchair features.

There has been a substantial increase in recent years in the availability of powered wheelchairs and associated features. However, the psychological factors explaining feature use are poorly understood. The current study aims to explore this issue. Semi-structured interviews of 15 British wheelchairs users were conducted; all had a range of disabilities and clinically prescribed seating functions. Our aim was to explore participants’ perceptions in terms of engagement and use of their wheelchair technology. Interview schedules were generated based on prior research on psychological factors associated with health and well-being. Questions focused on participants’ knowledge of features and how to use them, perceived barriers and facilitating factors, motivation to use, and perceptions of social support. A theory led thematic analysis identified three themes: (a) clinical benefits and functional alternatives, (b) expectations versus reality, and (c) the impact of other people. There was diversity in the perceptions that users had of their equipment, with positive views of features linking to users’ experience of functional benefits and matches between equipment and prior expectations. Recommendations are made to highlight functional as well as clinical benefits, to explore therapists’ experiences of their practice, to consider how information could be presented, and to explore uses of social support and innovative technologies in future work.

Analisis Kebutuhan Teknis Stakeholder Pada Produk Kursi Roda Manual Menggunakan Zachman Framework

Most wheelchairs circulating in Indonesian market are imported from China at affordable prices, but do not fufill the ISO 7176 series standards. SNI 09-4663-1998 about wheelchair is one of medical devices standard. The standard is considered do not covers the quality and user safety, while wheelchair technology is transform rapidly. Mapping and analyzing gap between stakeholder need and SNI 09-4663-1998 is expected to be input of standard review to improve the competitiveness of products. This research using the Zachman Framework approach following FACTS steps. Data collection uses the observation, in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussion. Data analysis using Inter Rater Reliability (IRR) which to measure the level of agreement of respondents. The results showed that stakeholder technical needs included 7 parameters: stability, maneuverability, mobility, dimensions, strength, durability, and product information. SNI 09-4663-1998 only includes the product strength parameters through a drop test so that the standard needs to be reviewed.

Practice-based skill acquisition of pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair propulsion versus regular handrim propulsion in novices

BackgroundRegular handrim wheelchair (RHW) propulsion is straining for the upper extremities and wheelchair users often experience overuse problems. A recent advancement in wheelchair technology that could assist users is the pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair (PAPAW). PAPAWs are challenging to control, yet it is unclear how people learn to use a PAPAW. The purpose of this study is to examine early skill acquisition through practice in PAPAWs and compare it with RHWs.MethodsTwenty-four able-bodied novices were randomly allocated to either the RHW group or the PAPAW group. The experiment consisted of five sessions with three blocks of 4 min steady-state practice at 1.11 m/s and 0.21 W/kg. Finally, a transfer to the other mode was made. Data were collected with a drag-test, breath-by-breath spirometry, and a motion capture system. The last minute of each four-minute block was used for analysis. A mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for group, time, and interaction effects.ResultsBoth groups improved their (assisted) mechanical efficiency, reduced their stroke rate, right-left and forward-backward deviation on the treadmill, and had a lower rate of perceived exertion (RPE) over time. (Assisted) mechanical efficiency was higher for the PAPAW group than for the RHW group and RPE was lower. However, left-right and forward-backward deviation was also found to be higher in the PAPAW group.ConclusionsAt the group level the energetic cost of RHW and PAPAW propulsion can be lowered through low-intensity practice in novice users. The PAPAW is more ‘efficient’ than the RHW given the reduced energy requirement of the user from the motor assist, but more difficult to control. Future studies on PAPAWs should focus on the control needs of the user and their interaction with the power-assist technology.

Designing Parameter for Developing Standard of Manual Wheelchair

ABSTRACT Indonesia already has national wheelchair standards namely Indonesian National Standard (SNI) SNI 09-4663-1998, but the standard already used for 20 years without any renewal. On the other hand, the development of wheelchair technology has a rapid transformation; wheelchair developers begin to apply the technology to their wheelchairs. For the development, relevant stakeholder are needs to identify key parameters for developing wheelchair standards. To develop this standard the Framework for Analysis, Comparison, and Testing of Standards (FACTS) method is used. The FACTS have three stages: analysis, comparison, and testing. The FACTS method is used to identify stakeholder needs. The results of this study is a framework that can be used to develop a wheelchair standard. It is also proposed a structural equation model for measuring implementation standard and we can classify them into three dimensions, i.e. improve quality, stakeholder protection and smothness and efficiency of trade.