Evaluating the efficacy of wearable biofeedback on the outcomes of exercise interventions in people with chronic non-specific spinal pain: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Wearable neuromuscular and biomechanical biofeedback technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes by facilitating exercise interventions. We will conduct a systematic review to examine whether the addition of wearable biofeedback to exercise interventions improves pain, disability and quality of life beyond exercise alone for adults with chronic non-specific spinal pain. Specific effects on clinical, physiological, psychological, exercise adherence and safety outcomes will also be examined. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic search will be conducted from inception to February 2024. Full articles in the English language will be included. MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, AMED, SPORTDiscus, CENTRAL databases, clinical trial registries and ProQuest (PQDT) will be used to search for eligible studies. Grey literature and conference proceedings (2022-2024) will be searched for relevant reports. Randomised controlled trials using wearable neuromuscular or kinematic biofeedback devices as an adjunct to exercise interventions for the treatment of chronic spinal pain will be included in this systematic review. The comparators will be wearable biofeedback with exercise versus exercise alone, or wearable biofeedback with exercise versus placebo and exercise. Risk of bias will be assessed using Cochrane Back Review Group criteria and the quality of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation recommendations. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The systematic review will be based on published studies, and therefore, does not require ethical approval. The study results will be submitted for publication in an international, open-access, peer-reviewed journal and shared through conferences and public engagement. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023481393.

Sitting Postural Management to Prevent Migration Percentage Progression in Non-Ambulatory Children with Cerebral Palsy: Randomized Controlled Trial Preliminary Data.

Background/Objectives: To determine whether a sitting position with the femoral heads centered into the acetabulum is more effective than the usual sitting position in preventing migration percentage progression in non-ambulatory children with bilateral cerebral palsy. Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial. INCLUSION CRITERIA: spastic or dyskinetic cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV-V, age 1-6 years, migration percentage <41%, and informed consent. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: contractures affecting the hip, anterior luxation, previous hip surgery, and lumbar scoliosis. The treatment group sat with their hips significantly abducted to reduce the head into the acetabulum in a customized system for at least five hours/day for two years. Controls sat with the pelvis and lower limbs aligned but the hips less abducted in an adaptive seating system. The primary outcome was migration percentage (MP) progression. Health-related quality of life and family satisfaction were among the secondary outcomes. The study was approved by the local ethics board and conducted in accordance with CONSORT reporting guidelines. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ID: NCT04603625. RESULTS: Overall median MP progression was 1.6 after the first year and 2.5 after the second year. No significant differences were observed between the groups. MP exceeded 40% and 50% in 1.8% and 0% of the experimental group and 5.4% and 3.6% of controls in years 1 and 2, respectively. Both groups expressed satisfaction with the postural system and stable health-related quality of life. Conclusions: MP remained stable over the two-year period in both groups. Considering outliers which progressed over 50%, a more protective trend of the hip-centering sitting approach emerged, but this needs to be confirmed in a final, larger dataset.

Theories, models and frameworks to understand barriers to the provision of mobility-assistive technologies: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: There is strong evidence that mobility-assistive technologies improve occupational performance, social participation, educational and employment access and overall quality of life in people with disabilities. However, people with disabilities still face barriers in accessing mobility products and related services. This review aims to summarise and synthesise: (1) theories, models and frameworks that have been used to understand mobility-assistive technology access, (2) determinants of access and (3) gaps in knowledge. DESIGN: A scoping review using the five-step framework by Arksey and O'Malley. DATA SOURCES: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and SCOPUS databases for publications published between 2000 and 2024. We searched for articles published up to 20 March 2024. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included English-published literature in peer-reviewed journals that reported (a) barriers to the provision of mobility-assistive technologies, (b) including at least one theory, model or framework and (c) between 2000 and 2024. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: We extracted the study characteristics, theories, models, framework usage, research recommendations, key findings on mobility-assistive technology barriers and theoretical propositions. We conduct a theoretical synthesis guided by Turner's approach. RESULTS: We included 18 articles that used 8 theories, models and frameworks, synthesised into 9 propositions. The synthesised theory emphasises that mobility is essential for human flourishing, and that certain health conditions may impose restrictions on mobility. This impact can be alleviated by two direct determinants: (1) the provision of suitable services and (2) their comprehensive provision. Policies and costs influence these services indirectly. Environmental and personal factors also affect the use of these services. Ineffectively addressing these determinants can limit access to mobility-assistive technologies and subsequent disabilities. CONCLUSION: Our synthetic model describes the logic of providing evidence-based mobility-assistive technologies, and we identify the determinants of access that can act as targets for future work to improve the provision of mobility-assistive technologies.

The Kenyan assistive technology ecosystem: a network analysis.

BACKGROUND: Assistive technology is central to the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities. However, there remains limited access to assistive technology throughout much of the world, with particularly poor access in lower- and middle-income countries. Evaluating stakeholder engagement in assistive technology networks has been used as a successful strategy to understand and address gaps in the assistive technology ecosystem. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to provide an overview of the Kenyan Assistive Technology Ecosystem, including available assistive products and related services, and an understanding of the nature and strength of relationships between stakeholders. METHODS: In this study, we employed an online qualitative stakeholder survey (2021) with representatives of organizations involved in assistive technology in Kenya. RESULTS: The assistive technology network in Kenya is distributed, with Government Ministries and Agencies and Organizations of persons with disabilities central to the network. The strength of relationships is concentrated on awareness and communication, with fewer organizations actively collaborating. Innovation training organizations are not yet well integrated into the network. CONCLUSIONS: Improving access to assistive technology in Kenya will benefit from greater collaboration amongst all assistive technology stakeholders.

Associação entre desempenho funcional de crianças com paralisia cerebral e tempo de espera pela provisão de órteses em serviço de reabilitação / Association between functional performance of children with cerebral palsy and waiting time for the splint provision in rehabilitation services

Crianças com paralisia cerebral usualmente necessitam de órtese no polegar para função manual. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre tempo de espera para recebimento de órtese para polegar, habilidade manual e dificuldade de desempenho em atividades cotidianas de crianças com paralisia cerebral. Método: Estudo de métodos mistos, com uma coorte retrospectiva e avaliação transversal de crianças com paralisia cerebral e indicação de confecção de órtese para polegar. Foram coletadas informações socioeconômicas, mensuração das dificuldades para realizar atividades do cotidiano, função manual pelo Sistema de Classificação da Habilidade Manual (MACS) e tempo de espera pela órtese. Análises descritivas, coeficiente de correlação de Spearman e Teste Kruskal Wallis foram realizadas no software IBM SPSS®. Resultados: 17 crianças e seus pais/responsáveis foram avaliados, sendo a maioria menino (76,5%), com paralisia cerebral do tipo hemiparética (52,9%). O tempo médio de espera pela órtese foi 34,12 dias (DP= 39,01). Crianças com comprometimento motor mais severo (p= 0,038) e pior habilidade manual (p= 0,012) receberam órtese em menor tempo de espera. Não houve diferença estatística entre tempo de espera pela órtese e dificuldade para desempenhar atividades cotidianas. Conclusão: A correlação entre habilidade manual e tempo de espera reforça a importância da avaliação funcional para priorizar concessão de um dispositivo de Tecnologia Assistiva em um serviço público de reabilitação, direcionando o cuidado às necessidades mais específicas das crianças.

Children with cerebral palsy usually need orthoses in their thumbs for manual functions. Objective: Analyzing the association between the waiting time for receiving a thumb orthosis, the manual ability, and the difficulty in performing daily tasks of children with cerebral palsy. Method: Mixed-methods study, with a retrospective cohort and cross-sectional evaluation of children with cerebral palsy and the indication and confection of thumb orthoses. Data collection included socioeconomic information, waiting time for the orthoses, and assessments of the difficulty to carry out daily activities and of manual functioning according to the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). Descriptive analysis, Spearman's coefficient and the Kruskal-Wallis test were calculated in the IBM software SPSS®. Results: 17 children and their parents/guardians were evaluated. Most were male (76.5%) with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (52.9%). Their mean time waiting for the orthosis was 34.12 days (SD= 39.01). Children with a more severe motor impairment (p= 0.038) or worse manual abilities (p= 0.012) waited to receive the orthosis for a shorter period. There was no statistical difference between the waiting time for the orthosis and the difficulty to perform daily tasks. Conclusion: The correlation between manual ability and the waiting time reiterates the importance of functional evaluations to prioritize the concession of Assistive Technology devices in public rehabilitation services, focusing the care on the more specific needs of each child.

[Assistive technologies for elderly patients with dementia: perspectives from the bioethics of health care.] / Tecnologías asistivas para pacientes ancianos con demencia: perspectivas desde la bioética de los cuidados en salud.

Dementia is currently one of the most common diseases affecting elderly people, ranking seventh among leading causes of death. As it causes memory loss, difficulties in reasoning, and resulting difficulties in making and executing decisions, assistive technologies and cognitive stimulation are valuable resources in the care process. Based on a theoretical inquiry into the bioethics of health care, and drawing on the work of Aline Albuquerque and Victor Montori, this article focuses on three main issues: first, the concept of bioethics in health care, patient-centered care, and the idea of clinical empathy. Second, it looks at the use of assistive technologies in caring for elderly patients with dementia. Lastly, we offer a discussion of whether the care process could be considered a health technology.

La demencia es actualmente una de las enfermedades más comunes que afecta a las personas mayores, siendo la séptima causa principal de muerte. Provoca pérdida de memoria, dificultad para razonar y, por consiguiente, dificultades para tomar y ejecutar decisiones, por lo que las tecnologías de asistencia y estimulación cognitiva son valiosos recursos en el proceso de cuidado. Desde una investigación teórica basada en la bioética de los cuidados en salud y en las investigaciones de Aline Albuquerque y Victor Montori, este artículo aborda, en primer lugar, el concepto de bioética en el cuidado de la salud, la atención centrada en el paciente y la idea de empatía clínica; en segundo lugar, se centra en el empleo de tecnologías asistivas para el cuidado de adultos mayores con demencia y, por último, plantea la discusión sobre si el proceso de atención podría ser considerado como una tecnología sanitaria.

Designing an app for alternative access assessments: using interviews to uncover and define user needs.

To support effective alternative access assessment and service delivery for people with motor impairments, we are developing an app called Access Navigator. This paper describes the first stage of the project: the interviews we conducted as part of a discovery process to improve our understanding of user needs. We individually interviewed 8 assistive technology practitioners and 3 clients who use alternative access methods, to learn what practitioners were currently doing in their access assessments, identify opportunities for improving current practice, and understand what the assessment process was like for clients. We extracted 236 relevant quotes from interview transcripts, and clustered the quotes using the affinity wall method, yielding 42 themes. Here we present the 21 highest priority themes, along with the app requirements that support those themes. Results confirmed the need for a tool to support more effective assessments, with emphasis on taking the worry out of access assessments and supporting early success. Results also revealed specific needs such as flexible workflow, personalized test-drive tasks, and a choice of metrics (including client preference). With a richer understanding of user needs, we are in a much better position to design software that can address those needs.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities of Social Participation After Tetraplegia Injury: A Regression Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The first aim of this study was to determine whether the use of computers, internet, and computer assistive technology (AT) increased social participation after tetraplegia spinal cord injury. The second aim was to determine whether racial or ethnic disparities of technology use were experienced. DESIGN: A secondary analysis of data collected by the National Spinal Cord Injury Models Systems Study (NSCIMS), an ongoing observational cohort study, was performed on a sample of 3096 participants who experienced a traumatic tetraplegic injury. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included were at least 1-year posttraumatic tetraplegia injury and participated in NSCIMS between 2011 and 2016 (N=3096). SETTING: NSCIMS observational data were originally collected via in-person or phone interviews. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): A binary logistic regression was conducted to determine whether self-reported use of computers or similar device, the internet, computer AT, race, ethnicity, and other demographics predicted high (≥80) vs low/medium (<80) social participation, measured by the Craig Handicap and Reporting Technique social integration standardized measure. RESULTS: Combined use of a computer, AT, and the internet predicted greater social integration by almost 175% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-3.78; P<.001) compared with no device or internet use. Racial and ethnic disparities were discovered. Black participants had 28% lower odds of high social integration than White participants (95% CI, 0.56-0.92; P<.01). Hispanic ethnicity predicted 40% lower odds of high social integration compared with non-Hispanic participants (95% CI, 0.39-0.91; P=.018). CONCLUSIONS: The internet presents an opportunity to reduce barriers to social participation and increase overall social integration after tetraplegia. However, race, ethnic, and income inequities prevent or limit access to the internet, computers, and AT after tetraplegia for Black and Hispanic people.

A Systematic Review of Outcomes Measured Following New Wheelchair and Seating-Prescription Interventions in Adults.

Objectives: To determine the outcomes and outcome-measurement tools currently used during the prescription of new wheelchairs and/or seating systems. A systematic review of studies was performed to identify outcome-measurement tools. Data Sources: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched from earliest available to March 2022. Study Selection: Studies were included if they focused on a new wheelchair or seating-system prescription with adults. Data Extraction: Data extraction and quality assessments were conducted by 2 reviewers; disagreements were resolved by consensus. Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale (for randomized controlled trials) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (for non-randomized studies). Data Synthesis: 48 articles were included which identified 37 standardized outcome-measurement tools. Use of study-specific outcome-measurement tools was common. Wheelchair use, user satisfaction, activity, and participation were the most studied outcome domains. Commonly used standardized assessments included the QUEST 2.0, functional independence measure, WHODAS II, IPPA, and PIADS. Conclusion: Outcome measures to evaluate wheelchair and seating-system prescription vary, and the use of study-specific outcome-measurement tools is high. There is a need to choose consistent outcome measures that are reliable and valid, and deal with this complex area through ensuring carefully constructed study designs.

Real-life experience of accepting assistive device services for Tibetans with dysfunction: A qualitative study.

Objective: This study aimed to understand the real-life experiences of Tibetans in China with dysfunction in the process of accepting assistive device services and to provide a reference for service quality improvement and policy formulation. Methods: Semi-structured personal interviews were used to collect data. Ten Tibetans with dysfunction representing three categories of different economic level areas in Lhasa, Tibet were selected to participate in the study by purposive sampling method from September to December 2021. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Results: The results present three themes and seven sub-themes: identification of tangible benefits from assistive devices (enhancing self-care ability for persons with dysfunction, assisting family members with caregiving and promoting harmonious family relationships), problems and burdens (difficulty in accessing professional services and cumbersome processes, not knowing how to use it correctly, psychological burden: fear of falling and stigmatization), and needs and expectations (providing social support to reduce the cost of use, enhancing the accessibility of barrier-free facilities at the grassroots level and improving the environment for the use of assistive devices). Conclusion: A proper understanding of the problems and challenges faced by Tibetans with dysfunction in the process of accepting assistive device services, focusing on the real-life experiences of people with functional impairment, and proposing targeted suggestions for improving and optimizing the user experience can provide reference and basis for future intervention studies and related policy formulation.

Evaluation of the feasibility of an error-minimized approach to powered wheelchair skills training using shared control.

BACKGROUND: Powered wheelchairs promote participation for people with mobility limitations. For older adults with cognitive impairment, existing training methods may not address learning needs, leading to difficulty with powered wheelchair skills. Error-minimized training, facilitated by shared control technology, may provide learning opportunities more suited to this population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of an error-minimized approach to powered wheelchair skills training using shared control in residential care. Feasibility indicators were hypothesized a priori to be feasible for use in a definitive RCT. METHODS: A 2 × 2 factorial RCT compared an error-minimized powered wheelchair skills training program (Co-pilot) to a control intervention at two doses (6 sessions vs. 12 sessions). Data were collected on the feasibility of study processes (e.g., recruitment), resources (e.g., participant time), management (e.g., technology reliability), and training outcomes (e.g., adverse events, clinical outcomes). RESULTS: Twenty-five older adults with cognitive impairment participated in the study. Technical issues were encountered in 14.5% of training sessions. Participants receiving 6 sessions of training adhered better to the treatment than those receiving 12 sessions. All participants learned the skills required for PWC use with minor errors, regardless of the training method or dose. Co-pilot participants and trainers reported feelings of safety and training benefits with the use of shared control technology. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment are able to learn the skills required to drive a powered wheelchair in as few as six training sessions. Further evaluation of the Co-pilot training program is required.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONShared control teleoperation technology may be used to augment learning in older adults with cognitive impairments.Evaluation of the feasibility of use of novel rehabilitation technologies is critical prior to engaging in large-scale clinical research.Individuals with cognitive impairment are able to learn the required skills for operation of a powered wheelchair.

An overview of assistive technology products and services provided in Malawi.

BACKGROUND: Assistive technology is the products and services used by individuals with functional limitations to enable participation in society and realisation of rights afforded by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Assistive Product List is a comprehensive list of products identified as essential for access through universal health coverage. Key stakeholders, including organisations of persons with disabilities, civil service organisations, academic organisations and government ministries are collaborating to integrate assistive technology into policy and develop a priority assistive products list for Malawi. OBJECTIVE: To understand the organisational characteristics of, and assistive products provided by, key stakeholders working in AT in Malawi. STUDY DESIGN: Online survey of representatives from key stakeholder organisations. METHODS: We surveyed representatives of key stakeholder organisations to gather information regarding assistive technology product and service provision in Malawi. Responses were analysed using counts for closed-ended questions, and conventional content analysis for open-ended questions. RESULTS: A total of 36 of the 50 APL products were provided by eight organisations. Related services were provided for 36 of the 50 APL products by twelve organisations. Five organisations reported providing both products and services. Products and services are largely funded by donation and provided free to those who require them. CONCLUSION: A range of organisations in Malawi play a role in assistive product delivery and related services. Coordinated AP delivery and service provision is required at a national level which is sustainable and inclusive, and is based on identified needs of the Malawian population.Implications for rehabilitationPolicies supporting assistive product and service provision must acknowledge the contextual needs of the communities where they are implemented.Coordination is required for assistive product and service provision at the national and subnational level.Existing and potential gaps in service provision must be addressed when implementing a national assistive products list.

Smart ankle bracelet-laser device to improve gait and detect freezing of gait in Parkinsonism patients: a case series.

Freezing of gait (FOG) is one of the most disabling symptoms of Parkinsonism. Moreover, it does not respond well to medication. Visual cues have been shown to alleviate FOG in Parkinsonism; however, their efficacy is inconsistent. Currently, most mobile cueing devices are used as an open-loop cueing system, which requires manual control to enable constant visual cues. Thus, such devices may not be suitable for some people, especially those who have attention deficits. In addition, objective measurements of FOG in real-life situations remain challenging. Therefore, we developed a smart-ankle laser as a closed-loop cueing system that can detect the patient's walking pattern and automatically project a laser line that follows each walking step, thus requires less attention. Real-time motion was also recorded within the device for FOG measurement. We studied the efficacy of the device in three Parkinsonism patients with FOG (one man and two women, aged 58-76 years) immediately after use and two patients at 1-week follow-up. Gait speed, Timed Up and Go test performance, stride length, and % FOG improved with the use of the laser, without adverse effects.

Avaliação dos alunos deficientes visuais e videntes do Instituto de Cegos Padre Chico / Evaluation of the visually impaired and sighted students at the Instituto de Cegos Padre Chico

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o perfil dos alunos concluintes, deficientes visuais e videntes do Instituto de Cegos Padre Chico entre os anos 2011 e 2020. Métodos Entre janeiro e março de 2021, foi realizada uma análise documental dos alunos concluintes entre os anos de 2011 e 2020. Foram coletados dados relacionados à situação social, educacional, socioeconômica e oftalmológica. Os dados foram tratados no programa Microsoft Excel 2013 da Microsoft e analisados no software livre Bioestat, versão 5.0. Resultados Foram coletados os dados de 110 concluintes cegos, com baixa visão e videntes. Mais de 90% dos alunos declararam rendimento familiar equivalente a um salário-mínimo e meio. Do total da amostra, 52 alunos eram cegos; 38 tinham baixa visão, e 20 eram videntes. Dentre as 36 patologias identificadas entre os alunos, 57,78% levaram à cegueira e 42,22%, à baixa visão. Em alunos cegos, as patologias mais frequentes foram glaucoma congênito (32,69%) e amaurose congênita de Leber (11,53%); em alunos com baixa visão, foram glaucoma congênito e distrofias de retina (ambas em 10,53% da amostra). Conclusão É de suma importância a avaliação da saúde ocular para que o professor realize de forma mais rápida as práticas de ensino e alcance resultados satisfatórios na alfabetização de crianças com deficiência visual.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the profile of visually impaired and sighted students at the Instituto de Cegos Padre Chico (ICPC) between 2011 and 2020. Methods Between January and March 2021, a document analysis of the students who completed the undergraduate course between 2011 and 2020. Data related to social, educational, socioeconomic, and ophthalmological situation were collected. The data were treated in Microsoft Excel 2013 and analyzed in the free software Bioestat, version 5.0. Results Retrospective data were collected from 110 blind, low-vision and sighted students who were graduating. More than 90% of the students declared family income equivalent to one and a half minimum wages. Of the total sample, 52 students were blind; 38 had low vision, and 20 were sighted students. Among the 36 pathologies identified among the students, 57.78% led to blindness, and 42.22%, to low vision. In blind students, the most frequent diagnosis was congenital glaucoma (32.69%) and Leber congenital amaurosis (11.53%); in low vision students, congenital glaucoma and retinal dystrophies (both in 11.53% of the population of this study). Conclusion The evaluation of the eye health is of vital importance for the teacher to perform teaching practices faster and achieve satisfactory results in the literacy of visually impaired children.

Development of communication skills in an adolescent with autism, using alternative communication: a case report / Desenvolvimento das habilidades comunicacionais em adolescente autista com uso de comunicação alternativa: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Alternative communication has been successfully used in interventions to develop communication skills in children with ASD. However, few studies in Brazil have approached nonverbal adolescents with autism. This article aimed to demonstrate the impact of using an alternative communication system on the development of communication skills in a nonverbal adolescent presented with ASD. This is a single-case study with longitudinal intervention. Skills were assessed with the Communication Assessment in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ACOTEA). There was progress in communicative and behavioral skills. Receptive communications had a greater variation between the first, second, and third applications, increasing from 50% to 66.60% and then 83.30%, followed by social behavior, which increased from 45.80% to 70.80% and then 75%. The use of alternative communication with a robust communication system indicated evidence of the development of communication skills and social behavior in the adolescent with ASD that received the treatment.

RESUMO O uso da Comunicação Alternativa para o desenvolvimento de habilidades comunicacionais de crianças com TEA tem sido aplicado com êxito nas intervenções. Entretanto, no Brasil, são escassos os estudos na faixa etária da adolescência e autistas não verbais. Este artigo tem como objetivo demonstrar o impacto do uso de um sistema de comunicação alternativa no desenvolvimento das habilidades comunicacionais em um adolescente não-verbal com TEA. Trata-se de estudo de intervenção longitudinal do tipo estudo de caso único. As habilidades foram avaliadas pelo protocolo de Avaliação da Comunicação no Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo - ACOTEA. Constatou-se que houve avanço nas habilidades comunicativas e comportamentais. A comunicação receptiva apresentou maior variação entre a primeira, segunda e terceira aplicação, evoluindo de 50% para 66,60% e, no final, para 83,30%, seguida do comportamento social 45,80% para 70,80% e depois para 75%. O uso da Comunicação Alternativa com um sistema robusto de comunicação apontou evidências do desenvolvimento de habilidades comunicativas bem como no comportamento social no adolescente com TEA assistido.

Tecnologías asistivas para pacientes ancianos con demencia: perspectivas desde la bioética de los cuidados en salud / Assistive technologies for elderly patients with dementia: perspectives from the bioethics of health care

RESUMEN La demencia es actualmente una de las enfermedades más comunes que afecta a las personas mayores, siendo la séptima causa principal de muerte. Provoca pérdida de memoria, dificultad para razonar y, por consiguiente, dificultades para tomar y ejecutar decisiones, por lo que las tecnologías de asistencia y estimulación cognitiva son valiosos recursos en el proceso de cuidado. Desde una investigación teórica basada en la bioética de los cuidados en salud y en las investigaciones de Aline Albuquerque y Victor Montori, este artículo aborda, en primer lugar, el concepto de bioética en el cuidado de la salud, la atención centrada en el paciente y la idea de empatía clínica; en segundo lugar, se centra en el empleo de tecnologías asistivas para el cuidado de adultos mayores con demencia y, por último, plantea la discusión sobre si el proceso de atención podría ser considerado como una tecnología sanitaria.

ABSTRACT Dementia is currently one of the most common diseases affecting elderly people, ranking seventh among leading causes of death. As it causes memory loss, difficulties in reasoning, and resulting difficulties in making and executing decisions, assistive technologies and cognitive stimulation are valuable resources in the care process. Based on a theoretical inquiry into the bioethics of health care, and drawing on the work of Aline Albuquerque and Victor Montori, this article focuses on three main issues: first, the concept of bioethics in health care, patient-centered care, and the idea of clinical empathy. Second, it looks at the use of assistive technologies in caring for elderly patients with dementia. Lastly, we offer a discussion of whether the care process could be considered a health technology.

Ações em tecnologia assistiva com mulheres hospitalizadas / Actions in assistive technology with hospitalized women

Resumo Introdução A saúde da mulher pode se tornar mais frágil durante a internação hospitalar por diversos motivos, o que pode afetar sua autonomia e independência. Nesse contexto, intervenções em tecnologia assistiva podem ser realizadas para favorecer o desempenho ocupacional da mulher. Objetivo Identificar quais ações em tecnologia assistiva são realizadas por terapeutas ocupacionais com mulheres no contexto hospitalar. Método Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e exploratório, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado de agosto a dezembro de 2021, por meio de dados secundários extraídos de 155 prontuários de mulheres que foram assistidas em terapia ocupacional nas enfermarias de Neurologia, Oncologia e Saúde Mental em um hospital universitário do Recife, PE, Brasil. Foram utilizados como instrumentos um questionário estruturado de caracterização e um checklist de rastreamento de ações em tecnologia assistiva. Para análise dos dados, foi utilizada estatística descritiva por meio da planilha eletrônica do Microsoft Excel. Resultados 48 pacientes receberam intervenções dos terapeutas ocupacionais em tecnologia assistiva, contemplando os serviços de avaliação, prescrição, confecção, orientação de uso e treino, tendo como principais dispositivos órteses de membros superiores e de auxílio para atividades de vida diária no setor de neurologia e o coxim no setor de oncologia, apresentando como predominância nos objetivos o favorecimento do desempenho ocupacional. Conclusão Foi identificado o predomínio das ações de tecnologia assistiva nas enfermarias de oncologia e neurologia com produtos de baixo custo; necessidade de melhorar o processo de acompanhamento de uso da tecnologia assistiva e de se investir no serviço de Tecnologia Assistiva; aumento de estudos sobre essa temática para gerar evidências.

Abstract Introduction Hospitalization can render women's health more fragile for a variety of reasons, potentially impacting their autonomy and independence. Within this scenario, interventions using assistive technology can enhance women's occupational performance. Objective To discern the assistive technology actions undertaken by occupational therapists for women in hospital settings. Method This descriptive, retrospective, and exploratory study with a quantitative approach was conducted from August to December 2021. It utilized secondary data from 155 medical records of women who received occupational therapy in neurology, oncology, and mental health wards at a university hospital in Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Instruments included a structured questionnaire for characterization and a checklist to trace assistive technology actions. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. Results Out of 155, 48 patients benefited from assistive technology interventions by occupational therapists. These interventions included evaluation services, prescription, manufacturing, use guidance, and training. The primary devices were orthoses for upper limbs and aids for activities of daily living in the neurology sector, with cushions being prominent in the oncology sector. A common goal was the enhancement of occupational performance. Conclusion Most assistive technology actions occurred in the oncology and neurology wards, focusing on low-cost products. There is a recognized need to refine the monitoring process for assistive technology use, invest more in assistive technology services, and promote research in this field to generate further evidence.

Assistive technology, information asymmetry and the role of brokerage services: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: Access to assistive technologies (ATs) is a human right for people with disabilities, but there are a range of barriers, including lack of adequate information. This review aimed to explore the implications of information asymmetry on the delivery of AT and to investigate if there are effective and equitable ways of providing AT brokerage services to people needing AT. DESIGN: Scoping review. DATA SOURCES: EBSCO Medline, EBSCO Cinahl, Academic Search Ultimate, Business Source Ultimate, Proquest Central, Scopus, Web of Science, PsychINFO, EconLit and JSTOR were searched through 18 July 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Intervention and observational studies and articles directly related to information asymmetry and brokerage in the context of AT were included. In addition, a scan of web-based resources and services was undertaken. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Four authors independently screened the articles for inclusion and performed a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Thirty-three articles were identified. The narrative synthesis showed that: (1) AT users want access to impartial information sources; (2) users want to be involved in AT selection; (3) users benefit from access to demonstration sites; (4) users want access to training and ongoing support in their use of AT; and (5) users want access to information on new and emerging technologies. Access to information and user engagement, we produced better outcomes and satisfaction. Web-based repositories are valuable for user research and peer feedback, while demonstration sites address the need for expert advice, trial use of equipment, training and support in equipment use and maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: Access to impartial information brokerage is critical to optimise AT selection. The implications of information asymmetry include lower user satisfaction, equipment underutilisation or abandonment. Aspects such as access to demonstration sites and web-based resources were also important.

Assistive Devices for Personal Mobility in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Gait abnormalities are a hallmark of Parkinson's disease and contribute to falling risk. As disease symptoms progress, assistive devices are often prescribed. However, there are no guidelines for choosing appropriate ambulatory devices for gait impairment. Objective: To review the scientific evidence on assistive devices for gait impairment in Parkinson's disease. Methods: We performed a systematic literature review for articles relating to parkinsonian gait impairment and assistive devices. We assessed the studies' methodological quality and risk of bias using the PEDro scale. Results: Seventeen articles were reviewed. Four articles (23.53%) showed that canes and standard and two-wheeled walkers without visual cues decreased gait speed and stride length, with no significant effects on freezing of gait or falls. Instead, improvements were observed with the use of visual [seven articles (41.18%)] and auditory cues [three articles (17.65%)], including decreased number of freezing episodes and increased stride length. Conclusions: Although assistive devices seem to improve confidence, there is still limited information about the efficacy of assistive devices on gait parameters and functional disability in Parkinson's disease. Further, longitudinal, multicenter, randomized, blinded, and controlled studies using assistive devices in a free-living context are required to provide the best scientific evidence.