Perspectives of wheelchair users with chronic spinal cord injury following a walking program using a wearable robotic exoskeleton.

Purpose: To examine the perspectives of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (WU) regarding their participation in a 16-week walking program using a wearable robotic exoskeleton (WRE); and explore concerns and expectations regarding potential use of this device and intervention in the context of a home or community-based adapted physical activity program.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a narrative research, 3 weeks post-intervention. Thematic analysis resulted in 6 themes and 21 subthemes.

Roles and usages of neuro service dogs for caregivers living at home with persons with dementia: An exploratory comparative case study.

The goal of the present study was to examine how canine assistance may support family caregivers and persons with dementia and to document and compare two modalities of home care support. An exploratory comparative case study research design was conducted. Three cases correspond of dyads of a caregiver, a person with mild to moderate dementia, and either a neuro service dog (NSD), a companion dog or no dog.

Design of Instructional Videos for People with Autism Who Want to Learn About Grocery Store Work: A Community, Business, Educational and Health Partnership.

To facilitate the integration of people with autism into the food industry labour market, this cross sectoral project aimed to design, validate and test instructional videos to concretely demonstrate various tasks in the grocery store, and to probe interest and assess knowledge about these tasks. Results are the delivery of 21 instructional videos validated for individuals with autism and 21 for mentors in grocery.

Neuro Service Dogs Impacts on Community-Dwelling Persons with Mild to Moderate Dementia and Their Caregiver.

Since there were no research data on the use of neuro service dogs (NSD) in 2018, a comparative case study research design was done. The cases comprised of a caregiver with a person with mild to moderate dementia, and either an NSD (n=5), a companion dog (n=28), or no dog (n=23). Monitor activity and online questionnaires were administrated.

Teleworking to Support Accommodation, Inclusion, and Health of Aging Workers: Protocol for a Study to Design, Validate, and Test a Reflective Application Guide.

Background: Aging workers constitute a growing population in many countries and form an indispensable and qualified resource, especially in the context of the labor shortage. Despite work's many benefits for individuals, organizations, and societies, it also presents several risks and challenges that may lead to occupational injuries. Thus, rehabilitation professionals and managers working with this emerging and unique clientele during their return to work after an absence often lack the tools and skills to support them, especially in the changing world of work that includes the rise of telework.

The Influence of Teleworking in a Pandemic Context on the Work Experience of Individuals with Physical Disabilities: A Quebec Qualitative Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous changes in work environments. Thousands of workers quickly found themselves having to telework without being prepared, which had consequences on their work experience and health. Authors proposed telework practices that promote the healthy work experience of workers in a pandemic context, but less attention has been paid to consider the realities and needs of individuals with physical disabilities.

Mobile Videoconferencing for Occupational Therapists' Assessments of Patients' Home Environments Prior to Hospital Discharge: Mixed Methods Feasibility and Comparative Study.

Background: Occupational therapists who work in hospitals need to assess patients' home environment in preparation for hospital discharge in order to provide recommendations (eg, technical aids) to support their independence and safety. Home visits increase performance in everyday activities and decrease the risk of falls; however, in some countries, home visits are rarely made prior to hospital discharge due to the cost and time involved. In most cases, occupational therapists rely on an interview with the patient or a caregiver to assess the home.

Impact of hippotherapy on the life habits of children with disabilities: a systematic review.

Purpose: The aim was to document the effects of hippotherapy on the 12 life habits of children with various disabilities.

Materials And Methods: A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify relevant studies. Five databases were consulted.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults: Rapid Review.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the lives of countless members of the general population. Older adults are known to experience loneliness, age discrimination, and excessive worry. It is therefore reasonable to anticipate that they would experience greater negative outcomes related to the COVID-19 pandemic given their increased isolation and risk for complications than younger adults.

Parkinsonian Symptoms, Not Dyskinesia, Negatively Affect Active Life Participation of Dyskinetic Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Background: The impact of slight-to-moderate levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) on the level of participation in active life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) has never been objectively determined.

Methods: Levels of LID, tremor and bradykinesia were measured during best-ON state in 121 patients diagnosed with PD and having peak-dose LID using inertial sensors positioned on each body limb. Rigidity and postural instability were assessed using clinical evaluations.

Effects of an Overground Walking Program With a Robotic Exoskeleton on Long-Term Manual Wheelchair Users With a Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Self-Controlled Interventional Study.

Background: In wheelchair users with a chronic spinal cord injury (WU), prolonged nonactive sitting time and reduced physical activity-typically linked to this mode of mobility-contribute to the development or exacerbation of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and endocrine-metabolic health complications that are often linked to increased risks of chronic pain or psychological morbidity. Limited evidence suggests that engaging in a walking program with a wearable robotic exoskeleton may be a promising physical activity intervention to counter these detrimental health effects.

Objective: This study's overall goals are as follows: (1) to determine the effects of a 16-week wearable robotic exoskeleton-assisted walking program on organic systems, functional capacities, and multifaceted psychosocial factors and (2) to determine self-reported satisfaction and perspectives with regard to the intervention and the device.

Effects of a trained mobility assistance dog on upper extremity muscular effort during wheelchair propulsion on tiled and carpeted floors in individuals with a spinal cord injury.

Background: Many manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury are at risk of developing secondary upper extremity musculoskeletal impairments. The use of a mobility assistance dog may represent a way to mitigate this risk. This study aims to compare upper extremity muscular effort in this population when propelling a manual wheelchair on tiled and carpeted surfaces with and without the assistance of a dog.

Advantages of training with an adaptive driving device on a driving simulator compared to training only on the road.

Purpose: To compare the advantages of training on a driving simulator versus on the road, when learning to drive with new assistive technologies (AT) in individuals with motor impairments.

Method: An experimental group (EXP = 16) that trained on a driving simulator was compared to a comparison group (CMP = 16) that received training only on the road. A post-training road test assessed driving performance.