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The Role and Use of Assistive Technology in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology ; 64(Supplement 4):72-73, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2088156
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective(s) The transition to adulthood is challenging for individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP), including the deterioration of health and wellness, loss of supports and reduced access to assistive technologies (AT). While physical, cognitive, and communication challenges may increase, we know very little about the needs for and availability of AT for function and participation. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine the needs, use, and effectiveness of AT in adults with CP. Study

Design:

We followed the PRISMA-Scr (2019) guidelines for this review. Study Participants &

Setting:

We searched 5 databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, & CINAHL), for peer-reviewed prospective/retrospective studies (2005-2021) of adults (>18 years) with CP, and AT. Materials/

Methods:

Four independent reviewers screened articles by title/, followed by a full-text screening/ selection, using the Covidence Software. Conflicts were recorded/resolved among all reviewers. Data extraction included study objective, geographical region, design, setting, participant information, type of AT/intervention, and results. Study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black (1998) criteria. Result(s) The search revealed 4981 studies. After removal of the duplicates, titles and s of 2418 studies were screened and 99 studies were included for full-text review. Of these, 40 studies were eligible for extraction. Overall, the quality of the studies was fair. Participants were 18 to 80 years with variable functionality. Most studies did not report functionality, race/ethnicity, or SES. We thematically categorized the types of AT seating, positioning, and mobility equipment (4);adaptive input devices (13), robotic devices (5), and communication and speech technology systems (10). Studies examined prognosis (1), usability of AT (9), training (8), and testing AT (22). Performance (speed/accuracy) was a major outcome (18), followed by physiological gains (7). Only a few studies examined patient reported ease of use and satisfaction. Overall, studies focused on control devices for interfacing with computers and mobility devices. Users highlighted that perceived comfort, social acceptability and approachability are key components for the utility of the equipment. In the case of seating/positioning/mobility equipment, the use of exoskeletons appears to be beneficial for decreasing the metabolic cost of ambulation. Systematic user training appears to be very effective. Additionally, customization of adaptation for control of mobility devices improves independence in mobility. Conclusions/

Significance:

There is limited data available for the use of AT technology for adults with CP. The studies had significant design and bias limitations. The need for control devices for accessing computers and mobility equipment is a primary need followed by devices related to improving physiological and participatory aspects of ambulatory ability. Training is important with individualized coaching strategies being the most effective. Many studies lack user perspective.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Reviews Language: English Journal: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Reviews Language: English Journal: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article