Design and Evaluation of the Kinect-Wheelchair Interface Controlled (KWIC) Smart Wheelchair for Pediatric Powered Mobility Training

Background: Children with severe disabilities are sometimes unable to access powered mobility training. Thus, we developed the Kinect-Wheelchair Interface Controlled (KWIC) smart wheelchair trainer that converts a manual wheelchair into a powered wheelchair. The KWIC Trainer uses computer vision to create a virtual tether with adaptive shared-control between the wheelchair and a therapist during training. It also includes a mixed-reality video game system. Methods: We performed a year-long usability study of the KWIC Trainer at a local clinic, soliciting qualitative and quantitative feedback on the device after extended use. Results: Eight therapists used the KWIC Trainer for over 50 hours with 8 different children. Two of the children obtained their own powered wheelchair as a result of the training. The therapists indicated the device allowed them to provide mobility training for more children than would have been possible with a demo wheelchair, and they found use of the device to be as safe as or safer than conventional training. They viewed the shared control algorithm as counter-productive because it made it difficult for the child to discern when he or she was controlling the chair. They were enthusiastic about the video game integration for increasing motivation and engagement during training. They emphasized the need for additional access methods for controlling the device. Conclusion: The therapists confirmed that the KWIC Trainer is a useful tool for increasing access to powered mobility training and for engaging children during training sessions. However, some improvements would enhance its applicability for routine clinical use.     

Evaluating movement for switch use in an adult with severe physical and cognitive impairments

Miranda's family members are most supportive of the goal for her to have a powered wheelchair and encourage her when they visit. Motivation has been the key to Miranda's success at learning to operate switches in order to explore and learn from her environment. As long as the outcome available from operation of a switch is desirable for Miranda, she works hard at controlling her movements so as to activate it. Conversely, if the ultimate advantage of operating the switch is unclear to her, she is unwilling to make the effort. The occupational therapist's role is crucial, in that she realizes the importance of motivation and consequently designs activities and rewards that are important and meaningful for Miranda. Miranda's life has been considerably enriched by the introduction of mechanical aids into her leisure sphere. She has become more interested in her surroundings and is excited about exploring possibilities for future rewarding activities, such as academics. A notable additional benefit has been that Miranda now displays a more assertive attitude on her own behalf.     

1996 RESNA/Whitaker Student Scientific Paper Competition

A national survey of providers of pediatric powered wheelchairs was conducted to collect background data on these professionals and to develop a “model” of their current assessment and recommendation practices. Data collected in the survey included provider demographics, frequency of powered wheelchair provision to young children, common reasons for not recommending a powered wheelchair, reasons why a child who is recommended a powered wheelchair does not receive one, current pediatric powered wheelchair assessment and recommendation practices, and subjective data regarding the efficacy of these practices and the impact of powered wheelchairs on children. Respondents rated the frequency with which they performed various wheelchair assessment and recommendation practices, and these ratings were analyzed to determine activities that were performed frequently. These activities were then combined into common “factors” using factor analysis, and the results of the factor analysis were used to create a model of current pediatric powered wheelchair assessment and recommendation practices. A total of 140 surveys were received from providers in 46 states. Of these providers, 54% were clinicians (e.g., physical therapists, occupational therapists), and 46% were suppliers (e.g., Rehabilitation Technology Specialists), representing a variety of geographic locations and facility types. The 3 major reasons for not recommending a powered wheelchair included cognitive, physical, and behavioral factors. The 3 major reasons why a child who is recommended a powered wheelchair does not receive one included funding issues, lack of family support, and transportation issues. The model of current pediatric powered wheelchair provision includes 4 assessment factors: Preliminary Clinical Assessment, Intake, Advanced Clinical Assessment, and Consideration of Other Factors. Typical recommendations include both therapeutic and nonclinical interventions. A modified version of this model, which addresses some issues identified in the survey that limit wheelchair recommendations, is currently being tested at 4 clinical sites.     

Pediatric powered wheelchairs: results of a national survey of providers

A national survey of providers of pediatric powered wheelchairs was conducted to collect background data on these professionals and to develop a "model" of their current assessment and recommendation practices. Data collected in the survey included provider demographics, frequency of powered wheelchair provision to young children, common reasons for not recommending a powered wheelchair, reasons why a child who is recommended a powered wheelchair does not receive one, current pediatric powered wheelchair assessment and recommendation practices, and subjective data regarding the efficacy of these practices and the impact of powered wheelchairs on children. Respondents rated the frequency with which they performed various wheelchair assessment and recommendation practices, and these ratings were analyzed to determine activities that were performed frequently. These activities were then combined into common "factors" using factor analysis, and the results of the factor analysis were used to create a model of current pediatric powered wheelchair assessment and recommendation practices. A total of 140 surveys were received from providers in 46 states. Of these providers, 54% were clinicians (e.g., physical therapists, occupational therapists), and 46% were suppliers (e.g., Rehabilitation Technology Specialists), representing a variety of geographic locations and facility types. The 3 major reasons for not recommending a powered wheelchair included cognitive, physical, and behavioral factors. The 3 major reasons why a child who is recommended a powered wheelchair does not receive one included funding issues, lack of family support, and transportation issues. The model of current pediatric powered wheelchair provision includes 4 assessment factors: Preliminary Clinical Assessment, Intake, Advanced Clinical Assessment, and Consideration of Other Factors. Typical recommendations include both therapeutic and nonclinical interventions. A modified version of this model, which addresses some issues identified in the survey that limit wheelchair recommendations, is currently being tested at 4 clinical sites.     

The role of virtual reality technology in the assessment and training of inexperienced powered wheelchair users

PURPOSE: The current paper provides quantitative and qualitative data concerning the application of two virtual environments to the assessment and training of inexperienced powered wheelchair users, both in terms of the ability to control the chair accurately without hitting objects in the environment (manoeuvrability) and in terms of being able to find ones way around a complex environment without becoming lost (route-finding). METHOD: Six novice powered wheelchair users participated in the project, completing either the manoeuvrability or route finding components of the study. Performance measures were taken in real life pre and post training and throughout virtual reality sessions. Participants also completed a questionnaire regarding the aesthetics of the virtual environments and aspects of the powered wheelchair simulation. RESULTS: The participants rated the aesthetics of the virtual environments positively and engaged well with the virtual system. However, they found the manoeuvrability tasks considerably more difficult in virtual reality (VR) than in real life. Some difficulties with controlling the simulated wheelchair were apparent. Some improvements on virtual and real life manoeuvrability tasks and route finding were noted following conventional and virtual training. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated that the two virtual environments represent a potentially useful means of assessing and training novice powered wheelchair users. The virtual environments however must become less challenging if they are to represent a motivating and effective means of improving performance. Further development of the way in which wheelchair movement is controlled and simulated represents a key element in this multi stage project.     

The role of virtual reality technology in the assessment and training of inexperienced powered wheelchair users

Purpose : The current paper provides quantitative and qualitative data concerning the application of two virtual environments to the assessment and training of inexperienced powered wheelchair users, both in terms of the ability to control the chair accurately without hitting objects in the environment (manoeuvrability) and in terms of being able to find ones way around a complex environment without becoming lost (route-finding). Method : Six novice powered wheelchair users participated in the project, completing either the manoeuvrability or route finding components of the study. Performance measures were taken in real life pre and post training and throughout virtual reality sessions. Participants also completed a questionnaire regarding the aesthetics of the virtual environments and aspects of the powered wheelchair simulation. Results : The participants rated the aesthetics of the virtual environments positively and engaged well with the virtual system. However, they found the manoeuvrability tasks considerably more difficult in virtual reality (VR) than in real life. Some difficulties with controlling the simulated wheelchair were apparent. Some improvements on virtual and real life manoeuvrability tasks and route finding were noted following conventional and virtual training. Conclusions : The study indicated that the two virtual environments represent a potentially useful means of assessing and training novice powered wheelchair users. The virtual environments however must become less challenging if they are to represent a motivating and effective means of improving performance. Further development of the way in which wheelchair movement is controlled and simulated represents a key element in this multi stage project.     

The role of virtual reality technology in the assessment and training of inexperienced powered wheelchair users

Purpose : The current paper provides quantitative and qualitative data concerning the application of two virtual environments to the assessment and training of inexperienced powered wheelchair users, both in terms of the ability to control the chair accurately without hitting objects in the environment (manoeuvrability) and in terms of being able to find ones way around a complex environment without becoming lost (route-finding).

Method : Six novice powered wheelchair users participated in the project, completing either the manoeuvrability or route finding components of the study. Performance measures were taken in real life pre and post training and throughout virtual reality sessions. Participants also completed a questionnaire regarding the aesthetics of the virtual environments and aspects of the powered wheelchair simulation.

Results : The participants rated the aesthetics of the virtual environments positively and engaged well with the virtual system. However, they found the manoeuvrability tasks considerably more difficult in virtual reality (VR) than in real life. Some difficulties with controlling the simulated wheelchair were apparent. Some improvements on virtual and real life manoeuvrability tasks and route finding were noted following conventional and virtual training.

Conclusions : The study indicated that the two virtual environments represent a potentially useful means of assessing and training novice powered wheelchair users. The virtual environments however must become less challenging if they are to represent a motivating and effective means of improving performance. Further development of the way in which wheelchair movement is controlled and simulated represents a key element in this multi stage project.     

Reporting of injuries,diseases and dangerous occurrences

Case Scenario: Clematis, a staff nurse in an orthopaedic ward, injured her back when lifting a patient with another nurse from the bed to a wheelchair. She was admitted to hospital and was off sick for many weeks. When she returned to work she noticed that the accident from which she had completed was still on the ward and copies did not appear to have been circulated. What is the law and what is her responsibility?     

A case study of the death of an older woman in a nursing home: are nursing care practices in compliance with ethical guidelines?

This article presents a case study describing and analyzing ethical issues in the care during the last 11 weeks of life of a 101-year-old nursing home resident. The case presented here is part of a larger ongoing ethnographic study of death and dying in nursing homes. Two nursing care issues with ethical implications are discussed. First, the resident could not eat or drink independently, but she received no assistance with her meals. Second, she remained in a wheelchair for many hours and developed three pressure ulcers on her buttocks. Furthermore, she became tired when sitting in the wheelchair for long periods of time, fell out of the wheelchair, and subsequently was restrained "for her safety." Using selected principles from the International Council of Nurses and the American Nurses Association code for nurses, the resident's care is discussed and recommendations for improving the care of nursing home residents are presented.     

Not your parent's wheelchair

A pediatric wheelchair is indeed a smaller seating system mounted over a mobility base that helps a child get from point A to point B. The important thing to recognize is that the child is every day learning new things about how he or she fits in with the world. That child is making friends and exploring the playground and going to music or art class. He or she may be starting and ending the day with a parent, but midday is spent interacting with the school's bus driver, teachers, counselor, and therapists. It is the responsibility of the rehab specialist to make sure that, while using a wheelchair to get from point A to point B in all of these different settings and with all of these different people, that disability does not slow the child down.     

Older people's use of powered wheelchairs for activity and participation.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate outcomes of older people's use of powered wheelchairs and risk factors for negative outcomes. DESIGN: The study was a cross-sectional interview-study including 111 powered wheelchair users over 65 years of age. RESULTS: All participants used their powered wheelchair in the summer; nearly all users regarded it as important and found that it gave them independence. The wheelchair made activity and participation possible for the users. The most frequent activity in the summer was going for a ride, and in the winter it was shopping. However, some could not use the wheelchair for visits, and supplementary travel modes are called for. Users who could not walk at all or who could not transfer without assistance were more likely not to be able to carry out prioritized activities. Furthermore, other risk factors for negative outcomes and need for further research were identified. CONCLUSION: The use of powered wheelchairs is a relevant societal intervention in relation to older people with limited walking ability in order to make activity and participation possible. It is likely that a larger proportion of older people could benefit from this intervention, in particular if current practices are improved taking activity and participation outcomes into consideration.     

Evaluation of manual wheelchair skills: is objective testing necessary or would subjective estimates suffice?

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that subjective estimates of the ability to perform manual wheelchair skills, by wheelchair users and the therapists working with them, accurately reflect the results of objective testing. DESIGN: Within-subject comparisons. SETTING: Kinesiologic laboratory in a rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one wheelchair users and their therapists. INTERVENTIONS: The wheelchair users and their therapists subjectively estimated how the wheelchair users would perform manual wheelchair skills, followed by an objective assessment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Wheelchair Skills Test (WST, version 2.4), a set of 50 standardized skills. RESULTS: The Spearman correlation coefficients between the total objective and subjective scores were.95 for the wheelchair users and.75 for the therapists. The mean difference between the total objective and subjective scores was statistically significant (P=.0002) for the wheelchair users (who overestimated their abilities by an average of 17.9%). The percentage concordance between subjective and objective scores for individual skills ranged from 57.1% to 100% for the wheelchair users and 50% to 100% for the therapists, with 25% and 35% of skills, respectively, for which there were no statistically significant associations (at a Bonferroni-adjusted alpha level of.001) between the objective and subjective scores. The skills that were misestimated by both were moving the armrests away, reaching a high object, transferring out of and into the wheelchair, folding the wheelchair, incline ascent, negotiation of gravel and irregular surfaces, and small curb ascent. CONCLUSION: Although subjective ratings by wheelchair users and their therapists provide excellent and good estimates respectively of overall manual wheelchair abilities, objective testing should be performed when accurate assessments of many specific manual wheelchair skills are required.     

Not for resuscitation instructions: the law for adult patients in the UK

Case Scenario: Marion, aged 55 years, has suffered from multiple sclerosis for 10 years and had reached the stage where she was wheelchair bound and had become extremely depressed. She was admitted to hospital for review of her medication and treatment plan. She discussed with a nurse what should happen in the event of her suffering a cardiac arrest and stated that she would not wish to be resuscitated. She had not discussed this with her relatives, nor had she put the instructions in writing. Two days later, when her daughter was visiting her, she had a cardiac arrest. Her daughter was anxious every effort should be made to resuscitate her and asked the nurse to call the arrest team. However, the nurse said that Marion had told her that she did not want to be resuscitated and that was therefore binding upon her. The daughter disagreed. What is the law?     

An interface to enhance mobility for people with hemispatial neglect

The objective was to develop and test a control interface to enable people with hemispatial neglect to maneuver a powered wheelchair with increased attention to their environment. A single case study was conducted using a female (aged 72 years) who had a right cerebro vascular accident five years earlier. She drove a powered wheelchair through 20 different test courses (mazes) while a computer recorded frequency of looking to the left (left checks) and an observer recorded visual targets missed and wheelchair collisions with walls and obstacles. The Mann-Whitney test was used to determine significant differences in left checks, left collisions, right collisions, and percent left checks targets missed between baseline and strategy phases. With the interface strategy, the subject significantly increased the number of left checks and missed fewer left targets in the test course. These results indicate that a powered-wheelchair control interface shows promise in enabling people with mild hemispatial neglect to maneuver a powered chair with greater environmental awareness and ease.     

The Value of an Outdoor Powered Wheelchair With Regard to the Quality of Life of Persons With Stroke: A Follow-Up Study

Evaluating the use of a powered wheelchair is of importance because of the increasing number of people with disabilities who are provided with one. The aim of this study is to describe characteristics of persons with stroke using an outdoor powered wheelchair and to evaluate the impact of the wheelchair on quality of life. A further aim is to compare the impact on quality of life in respect to age, gender, different disability characteristics, and living conditions. The 32 participants with stroke were recruited consecutively from three county council areas in Sweden. A follow-up design was applied including the EuroQol-5D questionnaires at baseline before the persons were prescribed an outdoor powered wheelchair, and after the participants had used the wheelchair for 3 to 5 months, data were collected by means of the EuroQol-5D and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). The results indicated an improved quality of life with respect to the items competence, independence, capability, quality of life, well-being, happiness, and self-esteem on the PIADS. The usual activity dimension on the EuroQol-5D showed a significant improvement after wheelchair use. The group who drove the powered wheelchair at least once a day in the summer showed a more positive score on the total PIADS and its Competence subscale than persons who drove less. Furthermore, the group with higher rankings of the importance of the powered wheelchair scored higher on psychosocial impact than did the group with lower rankings. The conclusion is that the powered wheelchair mostly has a positive impact on the quality of life of users with stroke. Service providers should be alert, however, to the possible negative impact of a powered wheelchair on quality of life and support the user.     

The wheelchair procurement process: perspectives of clients and prescribers

BACKGROUND: Increasing choices in assistive technology have made the process of procuring a wheelchair more complex and challenging. PURPOSE: To explore the intricacies of the procurement process from the perspectives of clients and therapists. METHODS: Thirty-four participants were interviewed, including 13 wheelchair prescribers, 14 wheelchair users, and 7 wheelchair associates (family members and caregivers). FINDINGS: Analysis revealed five main themes. "Who decides?" described varying degrees of client involvement in the procurement process. "Expert knowledge" reflected the expert knowledge that all parties possessed. "Form versus function"captured the primary and, at times, conflicting outcomes that participants wanted to achieve. "Fitting in" depicted the environmental factors that affected wheelchair procurement. "(Re)solutions" illustrated strategies that participants felt improved the process. IMPLICATIONS: This study reveals clients' experiences with wheelchair procurement, identifies potential issues therapists may encounter, and suggests possible remedies they might consider when prescribing wheelchairs within a client-centred framework.     

The value of an outdoor powered wheelchair with regard to the quality of life of persons with stroke: a follow-up study

Evaluating the use of a powered wheelchair is of importance because of the increasing number of people with disabilities who are provided with one. The aim of this study is to describe characteristics of persons with stroke using an outdoor powered wheelchair and to evaluate the impact of the wheelchair on quality of life. A further aim is to compare the impact on quality of life in respect to age, gender, different disability characteristics, and living conditions. The 32 participants with stroke were recruited consecutively from three county council areas in Sweden. A follow-up design was applied including the EuroQol-5D questionnaires at baseline before the persons were prescribed an outdoor powered wheelchair, and after the participants had used the wheelchair for 3 to 5 months, data were collected by means of the EuroQol-5D and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). The results indicated an improved quality of life with respect to the items competence, independence, capability, quality of life, well-being, happiness, and self-esteem on the PIADS. The usual activity dimension on the EuroQol-5D showed a significant improvement after wheelchair use. The group who drove the powered wheelchair at least once a day in the summer showed a more positive score on the total PIADS and its Competence subscale than persons who drove less. Furthermore, the group with higher rankings of the importance of the powered wheelchair scored higher on psychosocial impact than did the group with lower rankings. The conclusion is that the powered wheelchair mostly has a positive impact on the quality of life of users with stroke. Service providers should be alert, however, to the possible negative impact of a powered wheelchair on quality of life and support the user.     

Managing chronic illness: an immigrant woman's acquisition and use of health care knowledge.

As occupational therapists increasingly encounter a multicultural clientele, there is growing interest in the influence of a person's culture on his or her interactions with the environment. This paper presents a case study of a Chinese-Canadian immigrant woman with rheumatoid arthritis. The case study illustrates how the subject's family, community networks, and workplace, coupled with the occupational therapy clinical setting, intermingled to shape the daily management of her illness. The case material focuses on the subject's acquisition and use of different types of health care knowledge as she responds to her illness. It shows that the subject's experiences and management decisions about her health are closely linked to the material and social conditions of her life as a working-class immigrant woman. This article suggests that attention needs to be paid to the broader systems of the environment in understanding the responses of immigrant women to occupational therapy, rather than on the cultural distinctiveness of the clients.     

Use of power mobility for a young child with spinal muscular atrophy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Young children with severe motor impairments, such as spinal muscular atrophy, are often unable to move around their environment independently; therefore, they may be at risk for delays in areas of development not directly related to their motor limitations. Power mobility is an intervention that provides young children a means of independent movement and enables them to independently explore their environment. CASE DESCRIPTION: The participant was a 20-month-old girl with type II spinal muscular atrophy. INTERVENTION: The authors provided the child with a power wheelchair and gave her mother and physical therapist general guidelines to encourage her use of the power wheelchair. OUTCOMES: Within 6 weeks after receiving the power wheelchair, the child operated the wheelchair independently. She showed developmental gains in all domains of the Battelle Developmental Inventory and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory over 6 months. The authors conducted an interview with the child's mother before and after intervention. She reported that the child was more independent after receiving the power wheelchair. DISCUSSION: The power wheelchair may have been associated with the changes in the child's mobility and her developmental changes over 6 months.