Assessment of Joystick control during the performance of powered wheelchair driving tasks

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2011 · DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-8-31 · Published: May 24, 2011

Assistive Technology Rehabilitation Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This study explores how well people can control a powered wheelchair using a joystick. It compares experienced wheelchair users to those with no prior experience. The study looks at how many joystick movements are needed, how long it takes to complete tasks, and how steady the joystick direction is. The findings suggest that analyzing joystick control can help differentiate between novice and expert powered wheelchair users, particularly in confined spaces.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

10 expert and 13 novice powered wheelchair users

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Expert users required fewer joystick movements for complex tasks like turning 180° and maneuvering sideways.
2
Experts completed some tasks, especially maneuvering sideways, in approximately half the time compared to novices.
3
Joystick directional variability was similar between both groups, suggesting a need for refinement in its measurement.

Research Summary

This study investigated the use of data logging to differentiate the powered wheelchair driving skills of expert users compared to novice users when completing standardized tasks. The analysis of joystick control was able to differentiate between novice and expert users, showing the potential for objective assessment of driving skills. The study suggests that combining joystick data with observational methods could improve clinical assessment and training for powered wheelchair skills.

Practical Implications

Objective Assessment Tool

Joystick signal analysis can serve as an objective tool for measuring powered wheelchair driving skills.

Training Improvement

Joystick data can provide feedback to new PW users and help prioritize training components.

Skill Differentiation

Joystick control analysis can effectively differentiate between novice and expert PW users, particularly in spatially confined tasks.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
2
Study only used rear-wheeled wheelchairs, limiting generalization to other types.
3
Metrics used may not be sensitive enough to discriminate between users in simpler tasks.

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