Preliminary evaluation of variable compliance joystick for people with multiple sclerosis.

Upper-limb fatigue is a common problem that may restrict people with multiple sclerosis (MS) from using their electric powered wheelchair effectively and for a long period of time. The objective of this research is to evaluate whether participants with MS can drive better using a variable compliance joystick (VCJ) and customizable algorithms than with a conventional wheelchair joystick. Eleven participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups.

Comparison of virtual wheelchair driving performance of people with traumatic brain injury using an isometric and a conventional joystick.

Unlabelled: Cooper RA. Comparison of virtual wheelchair driving performance of people with traumatic brain injury using an isometric and a conventional joystick.

Objective: To compare wheelchair driving performance in a driving simulator using a conventional joystick and an isometric joystick.

Quantifying wheelchair activity of children: a pilot study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate mobility-related wheelchair activity of children in their community setting.

Design: Mobility-related wheelchair activity data from 18 community-dwelling children (9 manual and 9 electric powered) were collected using custom-designed data logging devices. The children were between 8 and 17 yrs of age and independently used a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility.

Development of a wheelchair virtual driving environment: trials with subjects with traumatic brain injury.

Objective: To develop and test a wheelchair virtual driving environment that can provide quantifiable measures of driving ability, offer driver training, and measure the performance of alternative controls.

Design: A virtual driving environment was developed. The wheelchair icon is displayed in a 2-dimensional, bird's eye view and has realistic steering and inertial properties.

Assessing mobility characteristics and activity levels of manual wheelchair users.

Although engaging in an active lifestyle is beneficial for maintaining quality of life, a majority of wheelchair users are inactive. This study investigated the mobility characteristics and activity levels of manual wheelchair users in the residential setting and at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG). Demographic factors that may have influenced activity in the home environment were also identified.

Force control strategies while driving electric powered wheelchairs with isometric and movement-sensing joysticks.

Innovations to control interfaces for electric powered wheelchairs (EPWs) could benefit 220000 current users and over 125000 individuals who desire mobility but cannot use a conventional motion sensing joystick (MSJ). We developed a digital isometric joystick (IJ) with sophisticated signal processing and two control functions. In a prior study, subjects' driving accuracy with our IJ was comparable to using an MSJ.

A wheelchair usage monitoring/logging system.

Real life information on wheelchair usage is important for investigating the effectiveness of certain features, evaluate users' performance, and eventually improve the safety and reliability of wheelchairs. The purpose of the study is to develop a wheelchair usage monitoring/logging system that travels with wheelchair users in their daily activity settings and collects data independently. The system consists of a wheel rotation logging module, a GPS logging module, and a seating posture logging module.

Engineering better wheelchairs to enhance community participation.

With about 2.2 million Americans currently using wheeled mobility devices, wheelchairs are frequently provided to people with impaired mobility to provide accessibility to the community. Individuals with spinal cord injuries, arthritis, balance disorders, and other conditions or diseases are typical users of wheelchairs.

Advancements in power wheelchair joystick technology: Effects of isometric joysticks and signal conditioning on driving performance.

Objective: 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.

Virtual reality and computer-enhanced training applied to wheeled mobility: an overview of work in Pittsburgh.

Some aspects of assistive technology can be enhanced by the application of virtual reality. Although virtual simulation offers a range of new possibilities, learning to navigate in a virtual environment is not equivalent to learning to navigate in the real world. Therefore, virtual reality simulation is advocated as a useful preparation for assessment and training within the physical environment.

The development and preliminary evaluation of a training device for wheelchair users: the GAME(Wheels) system.

Purpose: Training of appropriate wheelchair propulsion methods may be beneficial to the individual who uses a wheelchair by reducing the incidence of pain and improving one's quality of life. This paper discusses the development and initial testing of a training device that was developed to aid in wheelchair propulsion techniques: GAME(Wheels) System.

Methods: Two separate models of GAME(Wheels) have been developed: a GAME(Wheels) Clinical and a GAME(Wheels) Trainer.

Assessment of opiate modulation of pain and nociceptive responding in young adults with a parental history of hypertension.

This double blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of an opiate antagonist, naltrexone, on nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) thresholds and subjective pain in individuals with and without a parental history of hypertension. Using a repeated measures design, NFR threshold was repeatedly assessed on two testing days after administration of either placebo or naltrexone. Immediately after NFR threshold was determined, participants rated the level of pain experienced during the preceding NFR assessment, and at the end of each session participants' electrocutaneous pain threshold was assessed.

A pilot study on community usage of a pushrim-activated, power-assisted wheelchair.

Manual wheelchair propulsion combined with other stresses to the upper extremities may result in secondary injury. Possible solutions would be to devise alternative methods of propulsion, such as a pushrim-activated, power-assist wheelchair (PAPAW). The goals of this study were to examine the usage of the PAPAW in a real world setting and to characterize the driving habits of manual wheelchair users.

Use of osteopathic manipulative treatment by Ohio osteopathic physicians in various specialties.

The authors mailed a survey designed to determine the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to the 2,318 active osteopathic physicians registered with the Ohio Osteopathic Association; 871 responses were received, for a response rate of 38%. Approximately 75% of the respondents had not or had rarely used OMT: 44% of these respondents did not use any OMT and 31% reported treating fewer than 10 patients with OMT during the week before the survey. Approximately 25% of the surveyed osteopathic physicians treated more than 10 patients with OMT, and about 6% of these treated more than 30 patients with OMT.

Comparison of virtual and real electric powered wheelchair driving using a position sensing joystick and an isometric joystick.

There are limited interface options for electric powered wheelchairs, which results in the inability of some individuals to drive independently. In addition, the development of new interface technologies will necessitate the development of alternative training methods. This study compares a conventional position sensing joystick to a novel isometric joystick during a driving task in a virtual environment and a real environment.

Evaluation of osteopathic manipulative treatment training by practicing physicians in Ohio.

The authors mailed a survey designed to evaluate beliefs about osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) training to the 2318 osteopathic physicians registered with the Ohio Osteopathic Association. Responses were received from 871 osteopathic physicians (response rate, 38%). Fifty-three percent of the respondents had used OMT with patients at least once during the week before the survey.