Browse the latest research summaries in the field of assistive technology for spinal cord injury patients and caregivers.
Showing 561-570 of 581 results
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2014 • March 31, 2014
This study investigated the effects of a one-month Lokomat training program on ankle voluntary movement in chronic iSCI patients. The results demonstrated improvements in ankle dorsiflexion movement, ...
KEY FINDING: Lokomat training significantly improved the active range of motion (AROM), maximal velocity peak (VP), and movement smoothness (AROM1stMU) in voluntary ankle dorsiflexion movement.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2014 • March 4, 2014
This study evaluated the feasibility and effect of an eight-week training program using an impedance-controlled gait trainer on walking ability and quality in iSCI individuals. Participants improved s...
KEY FINDING: Participants experienced significant improvements in walking speed, distance, TUG, LEMS and WISCI after eight weeks of training with LOPES.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2014 • March 4, 2014
This article introduces a novel cooperative control strategy for a hybrid exoskeleton, designed for gait rehabilitation in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The Kinesis system balances roboti...
KEY FINDING: The hybrid FES-robot cooperative control effectively balances power contribution between exoskeleton and muscle stimulation.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2014 • March 24, 2014
The longitudinal growth pattern of gait impairment for two groups of SCI subjects—control and intervention—over four weeks of ongoing Lokomat training, was investigated and analyzed with the GMM. Two ...
KEY FINDING: Two distinct recovery classes (low and high walking capacity) were identified for each clinical evaluation from both the control and intervention groups.
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2014 • April 1, 2014
This study compared the ability of individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI) to use smartphones versus conventional mobile phones, focusing on identifying appropriate assistive devices. The...
KEY FINDING: Participants with C4 cord injuries found mouth sticks to be the most suitable assistive device for using mobile phones.
J Rehabil Res Dev, 2014 • January 1, 2014
This study qualitatively assessed the Tongue Drive System (TDS), a tongue-operated assistive technology (AT), by individuals with high-level spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants used the TDS for 6 w...
KEY FINDING: Most participants were positive about keeping the magnetic tongue-barbell to use the TDS.
BioMed Research International, 2014 • May 29, 2014
This paper presents a novel balance training platform which combines a CDP device made from low-cost interfaces, such as the Nintendo Wii Balance Board and the Microsoft Kinect. In addition, it integr...
KEY FINDING: The platform combines a CDP device with low-cost interfaces, such as the Nintendo Wii Balance Board and the Microsoft Kinect.
BioMed Research International, 2014 • June 26, 2014
This study explores the effects of wheelchair tilt and recline on pressure distribution in people with SCI, focusing on the Peak Pressure Index (PPI) and center of pressure. The findings indicate that...
KEY FINDING: Peak pressure displacement occurs in response to wheelchair tilt and recline, indicating that the sensel window locations for PPI calculation should be adjusted.
J Rehabil Res Dev, 2014 • January 1, 2014
This study presents the design and feasibility testing of a hybrid neuroprosthesis with a variable impedance knee mechanism (VIKM-HNP) for stair descent in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). T...
KEY FINDING: The VIKM-HNP enabled consistent forward stair descent, unlike FNS-only which resulted in erratic movement and heavy reliance on arm support.
J Rehabil Res Dev, 2014 • January 1, 2014
This study compared the effects of independent pressure relief (IPR) and alternating-pressure air cushion (APAC) use on tissue health in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that...
KEY FINDING: IPR decreased mean ischial IP and increased mean TcPO2, but these variables rapidly returned to preintervention levels.