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OBJECTIVE: To understand the priorities and preferences of people with disabilities (PwDs) and older adults regarding accessible autonomous vehicles (AVs) to address existing transportation barriers. DESIGN: Two national surveys, Voice of the Consumer and Voice of the Provider, were conducted to gather feedback from accessible AV consumers and providers, respectively, in the United States. SETTING: This U.S.-based study focused on PwDs and older adults who may face transportation challenges and those who provide or design AV solutions. PARTICIPANTS: The 922 consumers and 45 providers in the surveys encompassed a diverse range of disability types, caregiver roles, and age groups (N = 967). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes were consumer usage needs and provider preferences for features in accessible autonomous transportation. Patterns in usage needs and feature preferences through 2-step clustering algorithm were applied subsequent to the descriptive analysis of participant demographics and their responses. RESULTS: Participants strongly preferred AV features enhancing personal transportation, especially for rural medical appointments. Most sought comprehensive AV automated features. Wheelchair users emphasized accessible entrances, particularly for lower-income brackets ($25,000-$49,000). Provider priorities closely aligned with consumer preferences, reinforcing content validity. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the importance of prioritizing wheelchair accessibility in AVs and improving access to medical appointments, especially in rural and low-income communities. Implications include developing inclusive AV services for PwDs and underserved populations. The research establishes a foundation for a more equitable and accessible transportation landscape through AV technology integration.

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Objetivo: A tecnologia assistiva (TA) busca suprir ou reduzir o impacto das deficiências na execução de tarefas da vida cotidiana. Embora muitas pessoas necessitem de TA, em 2021, a OMS estimou que apenas uma em cada dez pessoas tinha acesso a ela. Com a oferta retraída e a demanda em alta, observou-se um movimento mundial crescente de inovações em TA e a abertura de um cenário de oportunidades para esse mercado. O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar o mercado de TA no Brasil e as projeções futuras, no cenário mundial. Métodos: A pesquisa foi realizada em três etapas. Primeiramente, foi realizado um estudo bibliográfico do Livro Branco da Tecnologia Assistiva no Brasil (2017), para reconhecimento dos desafios do mercado brasileiro. Em seguida, foi realizado um estudo sobre o cenário de crédito nacional, com foco em financiamento de TA. Para compreensão do mercado mundial, foi realizada uma pesquisa nos sites de análise de mercado de TA. Resultados: Há escassez de TA no Brasil. Os principais fornecedores são pequenas e médias empresas, e são escassos os incentivos fiscais e de crédito, assim como os investimentos em pesquisa, desenvolvimento e inovação. Em escala mundial, o mercado de TA foi avaliado em US$ 21,95 bilhões de dólares em 2022, devendo atingir o valor de US$ 31,22 bilhões de dólares até o ano de 2030. Conclusão: O mercado mundial de TA está em franca expansão e apresenta grande potencial de abertura para novos mercados. Esse cenário reflete um momento de oportunidades de negócio para as empresas nacionais.

Objective: Assistive Technology (AT) seeks to overcome or reduce the impact of deficiencies when performing everyday tasks. Although many people needed AT, in 2021, the WHO estimated that only one in ten people had access. With reduced supply and rising demand, a growing global movement of AT innovations was inspired, opening up a scenario of opportunities for this market. The objective of this study is to evaluate the AT market in Brazil and future projections on the global stage. Methods: The research was carried out in three stages. Firstly, a bibliographical study of the "White Book of Assistive Technology in Brazil" was carried out to recognize the challenges of the Brazilian market. Next, a study was carried out on the national credit scenario, focusing on TA financing. To understand the global market, research was carried out on TA market analysis websites. Results: There is a shortage of AT in Brazil. The main suppliers are small and medium-sized companies, and tax and credit incentives, as well as investments in Research, Development and Innovation, are scarce. On a global scale, the AT market was valued at US$ 21.95 billion in 2022, and is expected to reach a value of US$ 31.22 billion by the year 2030. Conclusion: The global AT market is in rapid expansion and presents great potential for opening up new markets. This scenario reflects a moment of business opportunities for national companies.

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Introduction: Assistive technologies for learning are aimed at promoting academic skills, such as reading and mathematics. These technologies mainly embrace mobile and web apps addressed to children with learning difficulties. Nevertheless, most applications lack pedagogical foundation. Additionally, the task of selecting suitable technology for educational purposes becomes challenging. Hence, this protocol posits the psychophysiological assessment of an online method for learning (OML) named Smartick. This platform comprises reading and math activities for learning training. In this protocol, individual monitoring of each child is proposed to determine the progress in learning caused by Smartick. Methods and analysis: One hundred and twelve children aged between 8 and 12 who present reading or math difficulty after a rigorous psychometric evaluation will be recruited. The study comprises four sessions. In sessions 1 and 2, collective and individual psychometric evaluations will be performed, respectively. Reading and mathematical proficiency will be assessed, as well as attentional levels and intellectual quotient. Subsequently, each child will be semi-randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. Afterward, a first EEG will be collected for all children in session 3. Then, experimental groups will use Smartick for 3 months, in addition to their traditional learning method. In contrast, control groups will only continue with their traditional learning method. Finally, session 4 will consist of performing a second psychometric evaluation and another EEG, so that psychophysiological parameters can be encountered that indicate learning improvements due to the OML, regardless of the traditional learning method at hand. Discussion: Currently, few studies have validated learning improvement due to assistive technologies for learning. However, this proposal presents a psychophysiological evaluation addressed to children with reading or math difficulties who will be trained with an OML.

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Purpose: The proposed scoping review aims to explore and map wheelchair outcome measurement instruments for children in the literature.Method: The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The review question and eligibility criteria were developed using the PCC (population, concept, context) mnemonic as follows: (P) children manual or motorised wheelchair users (aged ≤ 18 years), (C) wheelchair outcome measurement instruments, (C) primary sources of literature. The search will be conducted in nine relevant electronic databases. including grey literature from Academic Google. Study screening, selection, and data extraction will be performed independently by two authors. A third reviewer will resolve discrepancies between the authors. General characteristics, population, feasibility, interpretability data will be extracted in accordance with the COSMIN methodology (Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments). This will encompass data pertaining to the measurement properties of the domains of reliability, validity and responsiveness. A descriptive analysis will be carried out, and the results will be classified into categories and presented in tables accompanied by a descriptive summary.Results: The results can inform future research directions, clinical practice and the development of wheelchair outcome measurement instruments. Furthermore, it will help professionals in rehabilitation and wheelchair services to find the wheelchair outcome measurement instruments according to the target population and cultural context.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis review has the potential to enhance understanding of wheelchair outcome measurement instruments, thereby enabling rehabilitation professionals to assess the impact and progress of wheelchair use within the target population.The findings related to measurement properties may guide future research in the field of wheelchair outcome measurement instruments.Additionally it will assist clinical professionals in identifying appropriate wheelchair outcome measurement instruments based on the target population and cultural context.

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PURPOSE: The objectives of this study(1) were threefold: to identify the main topics related to the international debate on Assistive Technology (AT) public policies, to analyze the Brazilian case in light of these topics, and to extract lessons that could be applied in Brazil and other countries to advance progress in the field. METHODOLOGY: A qualitative study was conducted through a critical literature review, involving the search for, selection, and analysis of articles indexed in two information source portals and four databases from 2007 to 2023. International and Brazilian laws, reports, and other publications specifically related to AT policies were also included. RESULTS: The analysis of 186 articles and Brazilian documents facilitated the examination of four themes: AT policies from a human rights perspective, public procurement, service delivery systems, and national plans. A subset of 107 publications was then selected for detailed analysis. DISCUSSION: Initiatives such as implementing a national plan, establishing an AT research center, and creating a product catalog are considered virtuous. Enhancing the freedom of choice for products and developing public procurement mechanisms are identified as additional strategies to reinforce protections of human rights in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Policy dynamics and national and international experiences suggest the potential for expanding initiatives and creating new solutions in Brazil. Universities and other scientific institutions emerge as promising loci for generating new knowledge to support the formulation of AT policies and facilitate their debate and further development.

Our aim in undertaking this critical literature review was to gain an understanding of the primary topics related to public policies in the field of Assistive Technology (AT).We have found that public procurement, service delivery systems, and national plans are the primary strategies that the State can employ to ensure rights related to AT.

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PURPOSE: Assistive technologies based on IoT can contribute to improve quality of living of patients with severe motor difficulties by providing partial or total independence. The aim of this work was to analyse the usability and performance of an assistive system based on the IoT when is evaluated by a child patient with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA-I). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved a child with SMA-I and his caregiver. The materials used include an M5Stack Core2 kit, a mobile app, and a smart switch based on the ESP-01S card. The patient sends requests to the caregiver from the app installed on the M5Stack Core2 to a mobile app, and controls smart switches located in the rooms. The system was tested by the participants for a period of 30 days to later evaluate its usability and performance. RESULTS: The results show that the control function of smart switches is the most used and there is no decrease in interactions over the days for the system in general. In addition, the scores obtained from both usability tests (patient and caregiver) were 87.5% and 90%, respectively. The average performance of the entire system was 93.33%. CONCLUSION: The application of assistive technologies based on the IoT allows obtaining a practical solution that improves the development of daily activities in a patient with SMA-I.

A low-cost device can contribute to improve the quality of living of spinal muscular atrophy patients by favouring partial or total independence.IoT-based assistive technologies allow obtaining practical solutions that improve the development of daily activities.

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Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a produção científica envolvendo as áreas de conhecimento Educação Física (EF) e a Tecnologia Assistiva (TA) como possibilidade de inclusão nas aulas de EF escolar. Trata-se de revisão sistemática da literatura, utilizando as palavras chave "Physical Education" e "Assistive Technology" para busca no portal Periódicos da CAPES. Após aplicados os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram identificados na base de dados 715 estudos e adicionados dois pela busca manual. A leitura na íntegra resultou na inclusão de sete estudos. Os resultados apontam que há carência de pesquisas aplicadas sobre o tema, sendo que três tratavam de produtos e recursos, três de estratégias e apenas um de programa de ensino no contexto escolar. Conclui-se que há necessidade de novas pesquisas aplicadas utilizando os conceitos da TA com o intuito de verificar seus efeitos no contexto da inclusão escolar nas aulas de EF.

Resumen El objetivo fue verificar la producción científica involucrando las áreas de conocimiento Educación Física (EF) y Tecnología Asistiva (TA) como posibilidad de inclusión en las clases escolares de EF. Se trata de una revisión sistemática de la literatura, utilizando las palabras clave "Educación Física" y "Tecnología Asistiva" en el portal de revistas de la CAPES. Después de aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se identificaron 715 estudios y se agregaron dos por búsqueda manual. La lectura completa resultó en la inclusión de siete estudios. Los resultados indican que existe una falta de investigación aplicada sobre el tema, uno con entrevistas y otro referido a los efectos de la TA en la inclusión del PAEE. Se concluye que existe la necesidad de nuevas investigaciones aplicadas utilizando conceptos de TA y con el objetivo de verificar sus efectos en el contexto de la inclusión escolar en las clases de EF.

Abstract The objective of the study was to verify the scientific production involving the areas of Physical Education (PE) and Assistive Technology (AT) as a possibility of inclusion in school PE classes. This is a systematic literature review, using the keywords "Physical Education" and "Assistive Technology" to search the CAPES journal portal. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 715 studies were identified in the database and two were added by manual search. Reading in full resulted in the inclusion of seven studies. The results indicate that there is a lack of applied research on the subject. Only two studies were applied, one using interviews, and the other referring to the effects of AT on the inclusion of the PAEE. It is concluded that there is a need for new applied research using AT concepts and aiming to verify its effects in the context of school inclusion in PE classes.

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RESUMO Mães e pais com deficiência visual podem ter dificuldades na introdução alimentar de seus filhos. Desse modo, foi desenvolvida uma Tecnologia Assistiva (TA) sobre essa temática. Objetivou-se, assim, validar a TA sobre introdução alimentar do lactente. Trata-se de um estudo metodológico conforme adaptação do modelo de Pasquali (2010). A TA foi previamente construída e avaliada por especialistas e por um teste piloto com a população meta. O presente estudo contemplou o polo empírico, por meio do qual a TA foi avaliada por um novo e amplo grupo de mães e pais. Todos responderam a um instrumento em formato de escala do tipo Lickert a respeito do conteúdo, dos aspectos pedagógicos e da acessibilidade da TA. Outrossim, o estudo contemplou o polo analítico por meio da análise estatística dos dados. Respeitaram-se os aspectos éticos de pesquisas envolvendo seres humanos. Participaram 89 mães e pais, principalmente mulheres (53,9%), com deficiência visual congênita (55,1%), com idade média de 37,91 anos, não casados (52,8%), com ensino médio (60,7%) e exercendo atividade remunerada (56,2%). Dentre os tópicos da tecnologia, todos apresentaram médias favoráveis, sendo melhor avaliado o conteúdo (91,1±11,7), seguido de acesso online (84,4±18,9) e aspectos pedagógicos (82,9±15,9). A TA é meio válido de disseminação de informações a mães e pais com deficiência visual.

ABSTRACT Mothers and fathers with visual impairments may have difficulty introducing their children to food. In this way, an Assistive Technology (AT) was developed on this topic. The objective, therefore, was to validate the AT on infant food introduction. This is a methodological study according to the adaptation of the Pasquali's (2010) model. The AT was previously constructed and evaluated by experts and through a pilot testing with the target population. The present study considered the empirical pole, through which the AT was assessed by a new and broad group of mothers and fathers. Everyone responded to an instrument in a Lickert scale format regarding the content, pedagogical aspects and accessibility of AT. Furthermore, the study also included an analytical pole through statistical analysis of the data. The ethical aspects of research involving human beings were respected. Eighty-nine mothers and fathers participated, mainly women (53.9%), with congenital visual impairment (55.1%), with average age of 37.91 years old, not married (52.8%), with secondary education (60.7% ) and carrying out paid work (56.2%). Among the technology topics, all presented favorable averages, with content being best evaluated (91.1±11.7), followed by online access (84.4±18.9) and pedagogical aspects (82.9±15.9). The AT is a valid means of disseminating information to mothers and fathers with visual impairments.

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OBJECTIVE: An important issue related to electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is usability. Recent studies did not use heuristic evaluation and did not consider users' and developers' participation in the usability evaluation process of the EPW, especially when it has to be driven using alternative commands. Thus, this study investigates the use of heuristics to evaluate the usability of EPW driven by alternative commands, considering the opinion of users and assistive technology (AT) development professionals. METHODS: The study was carried out with 54 participants: 28 EPW users (Group I) and 26 AT developers (Group II). We built a set of 25 heuristics that affects EPW usability. Participants rated each of the 25 heuristics according to their importance for the usability of EPW using the five-point Likert scale. We used the R Software to perform the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test as a statistical comparisons test between Group I and II. RESULTS: The results showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between Group I and II in the evaluation of 16 heuristics. We identified an important set of heuristics that could help evaluate and improve the usability of EPW. CONCLUSION: The findings highlighted the importance of considering users' and developers' points of view in developing an EPW and its evaluation criteria. It could help the design of the device match the user's needs and expectations. The set of heuristics in this study can be adapted to evaluate other devices' usability using the heuristic evaluation approach.

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Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar a satisfação dos usuários em relação às cadeiras de rodas e à prestação de serviços públicos e privados de saúde da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista. Estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa. Os participantes responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico e à versão brasileira do Quebec Assistive Technology User Satisfaction Assessment. Os dados foram analisados utilizando a estatística descritiva e comparativa por meio do teste t de Student. Os tamanhos de efeito d de Cohen foram calculados. Os participantes (n = 42) estavam "mais ou menos satisfeitos" com as cadeiras de rodas e "pouco satisfeitos" com a prestação de serviços. Os usuários de cadeiras de rodas monobloco apresentaram satisfação significativamente maior com suas cadeiras em comparação com usuários de cadeiras de rodas acima de 90kg (p = 0,010, d = 1,04). Os usuários de serviços privados apresentaram satisfação significativamente maior com a prestação de serviço em comparação aos usuários de serviços públicos (p = 0,021, d = 0,75). Os usuários de cadeiras de rodas da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista estão mais satisfeitos com as cadeiras de rodas monobloco e menos satisfeitos com os serviços públicos.

Abstract This article seeks to identify user satisfaction in relation to wheelchairs and the provision of public and private health services in the Baixada Santista Metropolitan Region. It involved a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Brazilian version of the Quebec Assistive Technology User Satisfaction Assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics by means of Student's t test. Cohen's d effect sizes were also calculated. Participants (n = 42) were "more or less satisfied" with the wheelchairs and "quite satisfied" with the services provided. Rigid frame wheelchair users were significantly more satisfied with their wheelchairs compared to users of wheelchairs weighing over 198 lbs. (p = 0.010, d = 1.04). Users of private services showed significantly greater satisfaction with the provision of the service compared to public services users (p = 0.021, d = 0.75). Wheelchair users in the Baixada Santista Metropolitan Region are more satisfied with the rigid frame wheelchair and less satisfied with public services.

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RESUMO Objetivo Validar a aparência e o conteúdo do método de Desenvolvimento das Habilidades de Comunicação no Autismo (DHACA). Método Trata-se de estudo de validação de abordagem quali-quantitativa. Participaram do estudo dez juízes fonoaudiólogos com expertise na área da comunicação alternativa. Os juízes receberam o livro de comunicação, bem como a descrição dos princípios, habilidades e estratégias do método DHACA e um formulário com itens relativos à apreciação da aparência e conteúdo do método. A validade foi calculada usando o índice de validade de conteúdo. Resultados A análise das respostas possibilitou o cálculo do grau de concordância entre os juízes e a elaboração da nova versão do instrumento. O cálculo do Índice de Validade de Conteúdo revelou uma validade de conteúdo excelente. Os juízes deram sugestões referentes aos aspectos de conteúdo do livro de comunicação, nos textos de participação do parceiro de comunicação e modelagem, uso de dicas e habilidades comunicativas. Conclusão O grau de concordância observado entre os juízes possibilitou a obtenção da validação da aparência e do conteúdo do método DHACA, considerando-se os itens isoladamente e o instrumento como um todo, podendo ter seu uso recomendado na prática clínica fonoaudiológica.

ABSTRACT Purpose To validate the appearance and content of the DHACA method to develop communication skills in autism. Methods This qualitative and quantitative validation study included 10 speech-language-hearing judges with expertise in alternative communication. The judges received the communication book, the description of the principles, skills, and strategies in the DHACA method, and a form with items for them to appraise the appearance and content of the method. The validity was calculated with the content validity index. Results The response analysis made it possible to calculate the degree of agreement between judges and develop the new instrument version. The calculation of the content validity index revealed excellent content validity. The judges made suggestions regarding the content of the communication book, texts regarding the participation of communication partners and modeling, using cues, and communicative skills. Conclusion The degree of agreement between judges ensured the validation of the appearance and content of the DHACA method, considering the items alone and the whole instrument. Hence, its use can be recommended for speech-language-hearing clinical practice.

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RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a contribuição da tecnologia de escuta assistida em usuários de implante coclear (IC) em situações de reverberação e ruído. Métodos Estudo transversal prospectivo aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética Institucional (CAAE 8 3031418.4.0000.0068). Foram selecionados adolescentes e adultos usuários de IC com surdez pré ou pós-lingual. Para usuários bilaterais, cada orelha foi avaliada separadamente. O reconhecimento de fala foi avaliado por meio de listas gravadas de palavras dissílabas apresentadas a 65 dBA a 0° azimute com e sem o Mini Microfone2 (Cochlear™) conectado ao processador de fala Nucleus®6. A reverberação da sala foi medida como 550 ms. Para avaliar a contribuição do dispositivo de escuta assistida (DEA) em ambiente reverberante, o reconhecimento de fala foi avaliado no silêncio. Para avaliar a contribuição do DEA em reverberação e ruído, o reconhecimento de fala foi apresentado a 0° azimute com o ruído proveniente de 8 alto-falantes dispostos simetricamente a 2 metros de distância do centro com ruído de múltiplos falantes usando relação sinal-ruído de +10dB. Para evitar viés de aprendizado ou fadiga, a ordem dos testes foi randomizada. A comparação das médias foi analisada pelo teste t para amostras pareadas, adotando-se nível de significância de p<0,005. Resultados Dezessete pacientes com idade média de 40 anos foram convidados e concordaram em participar, sendo 2 participantes bilaterais, totalizando 19 orelhas. Houve contribuição positiva significante do Mini Mic2 na reverberação e ruído+reverberação (p<0,001). Conclusão DEA foi capaz de melhorar o reconhecimento de fala de usuários de IC tanto em situações de reverberação quanto ruidosas.

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of assistive listening technology with wireless connectivity in cochlear implant (CI) users in reverberating and noise situations. Methods Prospective cross-sectional study approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (CAAE 8 3031418.4.0000.0068). Adolescents and adults CI users with pre- or post-lingual deafness were selected. For bilateral users, each ear was assessed separately. Speech recognition was assessed using recorded lists of disyllabic words presented at 65 dBA at 0° azimuth with and without the Wireless Mini Microphone 2 (Cochlear™) connected to the Nucleus®6 speech processor. Room reverberation was measured as 550 ms. To assess the contribution of the assistive listening device (ALD) in a reverberating environment, speech recognition was assessed in quiet. To assess the contribution of the ALD in reverberation and noise, speech recognition was presented at 0° azimuth along with the noise coming from 8 loudspeakers symmetrically arranged 2 meters away from the center with multi-talker babble noise using signal to noise ratio of +10dB. To avoid learning bias or fatigue, the order of the tests was randomized. Comparison of means was analyzed by t test for paired samples, adopting significance level of p <0.005. Results Seventeen patients with a mean age of 40 years were invited and agreed to participate, with 2 bilateral participants, totaling 19 ears assessed. There was a significant positive contribution from the Mini Mic2 in reverberation, and noise+reverberation (p <0.001). Conclusion ALD was able to improve speech recognition of CI users in both reverberation and noisy situations.

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Objetivo: Identificar criterios de derivación y barreras percibidas por los optómetras para la rehabilitación de personas con baja visión en Santander. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal que incluyó 82 optómetras de municipios de Santander, seleccionados mediante muestreo intencionado. Se diseñó un cuestionario con 36 preguntas para recolectar los datos que son reportados empleando estadística descriptiva. Resultados: El 47,5 % de los profesionales tiene claro el nivel de agudeza visual para clasificar a una persona con baja visión. Las principales barreras identificadas para el acceso a servicios de baja visión fueron: el proceso de derivación dentro del sistema de salud es engorroso (74,39 %), falta de servicios cerca (57,31 %) y considerar que los pacientes no pueden pagar las ayudas (48,78 %). Discusión: Es necesario fortalecer la formación de los optómetras para mejorar los procesos de identificación, atención y rehabilitación. Conclusiones: Es importante ubicar como prioritaria la discapacidad visual en Santander, para así robustecer la red de atención en salud.

Objective: To identify referral criteria and barriers perceived by optometrists for the rehabilitation of people with low vision in Santander. Methods: Cross-sectional study, which included 82 optometrists from municipalities of Santander, selected by purposive sampling. A questionnaire with 36 questions was designed to collect data that are reported using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 47.5% of the professionals are clear about the level of visual acuity to classify a person with low vision. The main barriers identified for access to low vision services were: the referral process within the health system is cumbersome (74.39%), lack of services nearby (57.31%) and considering that patients cannot afford the aids (48.78%). Discussion: It is necessary to strengthen the training of optometrists to improve the processes of identification, care and rehabilitation. Conclusions: It is important to prioritize visual impairment in Santander in order to strengthen the health care network.

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Purpose: To evaluate the health professionals' satisfaction regarding the short binasal prong used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), evaluate the difficulties related to its use, and present possible improvements in the design of this device. Patients and Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study with prospective data collection carried out in the NICU of a public hospital in southern Brazil. This research was presented into two stages. In the first stage, the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology was applied with 90 health professionals to evaluate the satisfaction regarding the short binasal prong. In the second stage, the health professional's experiences and difficulties in using the binasal prongs in 14 newborns (NBs) that required non-invasive ventilation was collected. The short binasal prongs used was the Fanem® brand and the CPAP circuit was Gabisa Medical International (GMI®). Finally, improvements and recommendations were presented to optimize the device's design. Results: The mean score of the health professionals' satisfaction with short binasal prongs was 3.8 ± 0.6. Ease of adjustment (3.27) and dimensions (3.62) variables had the worst scores. The main difficulties pointed out by health professionals were: circuit disconnection (57.1%), the size of the prong did not correspond to NBs' anatomical characteristics (35.7%), air leakage (21.4%), and difficulty in fixing and positioning the prong in the NB (14.28%). The improvements suggested were: appropriate prong sizes based on the anatomical characteristics of the NBs; adjustable distance between insertion and base catheters; manufactured with malleable material, however not easily foldable; curved and adjustable insertion catheters and functional system of tracheas' connection. Conclusion: The dissatisfaction of health professionals with the dimensions and prongs adjustments and the difficulties faced in clinical practice indicate the need for improvements in these interfaces. The recommendations presented in this study may contribute to optimizing the design of the binasal prong in the future.

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Assistive technology can help people with disabilities to use computers more effectively and can enable them to access the same information and resources as people without disabilities. To obtain more insight into the factors that can bring about the design of an Emulator of Mouse and Keyboard (EMKEY) to higher levels of user satisfaction, an experimental study was conducted in order to analyse its effectiveness and efficiency. The experimental study involved 27 participants (Mage = 20.81, SD = 1.14) who performed three experimental games under different conditions (using the mouse and using EMKEY with head movements and voice commands). According to the results, the use of EMKEY allowed for the successful performance of tasks such as matching stimuli (F(2,78) = 2.39, p = 0.10, η2 = 0.06). However, the execution times of a task were found to be higher when using the emulator to drag an object on the screen (t(52,1) = -18.45, p ≤ 0.001, d = 9.60). These results indicate the effectiveness of technological development for people with upper limb disabilities; however, there is room for improvement in terms of efficiency. The findings are discussed in relation to previous research and are based on future studies aimed at improving the operation of the EMKEY emulator.

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PURPOSE: This report presents the adaptation of an assistive device chair for bedside sitting and its application in two patients with trunk control impairment in the acute stroke phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The device was built with polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes and designed by a team of mechanical engineers and physiotherapists to maintain a prolonged sitting position with less demand from therapists. To test the device, two patients were followed up during the acute phase of stroke. Both patients underwent an early mobilization program (30 min, twice a day, for three days) with an assistive device chair for bedside sitting. Patients were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) checklist (b: body function; d: activity and participation). RESULTS: The adaptations generated the following equipment: 1) foldable, 2) three levels of backrest inclination, and 3) a safety anterior support or an activity table. Both patients showed clinical improvement after the intervention period, with NIHSS score reduction, TIS improvement, and greater functionality and independence on the ICF framework. CONCLUSION: The equipment with adaptations seems to be functional, easy to handle, and can potentially contribute to clinical and functional improvements in patients with trunk control deficits after stroke.

The assistive device chair has a low manufacturing cost, and allow an easy handling and storageThe assistive device chair has been adapted to facilitate sitting posture;The assistive device chair can be used as an auxiliary tool in early mobilizations protocols and contemporary rehabilitation approaches;The early mobilization protocol associated with the assistive device chair can generate clinical improvements in acute stroke.The mobilization protocol associated with the assistive device chair can promote improvement in International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health domains in acute stroke.

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OBJECTIVE: The overall aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesise the best available evidence on effectiveness, resource use and costs involved in wheelchair interventions of adults with mobility limitations. METHODOLOGY: This systematic review was undertaken in accordance with the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination Guidelines. The protocol for this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic reviews. The following PICOS eligibility criteria were considered: (P) Population was individuals with mobility limitations that live in their community (e.g., non-institutionalized), with aged 18 or older; (I) Intervention was mobility assistive technologies (MAT), such as manual and powered wheelchairs; (C) Comparators (Not Applied); (O) Outcome, the primary outcome of interest, was established as the cost-effectiveness of wheelchair interventions. Direct and indirect costs per unit of effect were expressed in terms of clinical outcome units, quality-adjusted life years gained, utility scores, quality of life measures and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios to inform the economic outcomes. (S) Study design was considered as a health economic evaluation (i.e., including cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis and cost benefit analysis as well as partial economic evaluations). The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards - CHEERS, checklist was used for summarising and interpreting the results of economic evaluations. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included, two were identified as full health economic evaluations and 14 were considered partial health economic evaluations. CONCLUSION: Only two full health economic analyses of wheelchair interventions have been conducted and both focussed on powered wheelchair provision. There are important gaps in current knowledge regarding wheelchair health economic methods and available outcome measures, which there is a great need for further research.Implication for RehabilitationSystematic reviews of health economic evaluation studies are useful for synthesising economic evidence about health interventions and provide insight in new research development.Organisations involved in the provision of wheelchairs should apply cost-effectiveness outcome measures to help raise the standard of provision, to support evidence-based practice, and to improve resource utilisation.

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PURPOSE: To present the latest available evidence on the effects of a VR-based therapy on the manual dexterity of PD subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and PEDro databases. Were included in the systematic review Randomized Clinical Trials, Pilot and Feasibility studies published up to December 2020. The studies should include at least one of the following assessments: Box and Blocks Test, 9-Hole Peg Test; Purdue Pegboard Test. PEDro Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the review. Most studies have shown an improvement in outcomes for manual dexterity, but most of them presented a high risk of bias with low methodological quality. A high heterogeneity was observed in the protocols used for each study. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that VR-based therapy has great potential and feasibility to be used as a manual dexterity rehabilitation protocol in PD subjects. However, these results must be interpreted carefully and studies with greater methodological rigor must be conducted.Implications For RehabilitationRehabilitation programs using virtual reality seem to have greater adherence to the user.Immersive virtual reality systems seem to do better in manual dexterity than non-immersive systems.It is plausible to use virtual reality systems in telerehabilitation for manual dexterity training in subjects with Parkinson's' Disease.The use of Virtual Reality by the therapist in a rehabilitation program allows him to modulate the exercises, enabling a wide variety of therapeutic options.

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Resumo Introdução O conhecimento sobre tecnologia assistiva relaciona-se aos aspectos do domínio da terapia ocupacional, assim, interroga-se se tal conhecimento tem sido abordado nos cursos de graduação. Objetivos Identificar os cursos de graduação em terapia ocupacional no estado de São Paulo que ofertam discipinas referentes à tecnologia assistiva, identificar as disciplinas, suas respectivas cargas horárias e o conteúdo presente em cada uma delas. Método A amostra foi composta por oito universidades, cinco públicas e três privadas. A busca foi feita nas matrizes curriculares, planos de ensino de disciplinas específicas e não específicas, objetivos e conteúdos disponibilizados on-line ou solicitados ao coordenador de curso. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados. Resultados Constatou-se a oferta do conteúdo de tecnologia assistiva nas universidades investigadas, com diferença entre a carga horária e o conteúdo ofertado. A análise por área de aplicação da tecnologia assistiva evidenciou que o conteúdo sobre órteses é oferecido em 100% dos cursos analisados, seguido de produtos assistivos para o desempenho de atividades cotidianas e de prótese, ambos conteúdos encontrados em 75% dos cursos; equipamentos para mobilidade; acessibilidade e desenho universal em 62,5%; comunicação alternativa em 50% dos cursos. Conclusão Os resultados apontam a relevância de uma maior homogeneidade de conteúdo entre as universidades investigadas e sugerem que este estudo tem potencial para fomentar discussões sobre a formação do terapauta ocupacional na área da tecnologia assistiva, uma vez que os resultados advêm da análise dos cursos de graduação localizados no estado que possui o maior número de cursos de terapia ocupacional no Brasil.

Abstract Introduction Knowledge about assistive technology is related to aspects of the field of occupational therapy, thus, it is questioned whether such knowledge has been addressed in undergraduate courses. Objectives To identify the undergraduate courses in occupational therapy in the state of São Paulo that offer disciplines related to assistive technology, identify the disciplines, their respective workloads and the content present in each of them. Method The sample consisted of eight universities, five public and three private. The search was made in the curricular matrices, teaching plans of specific and non-specific disciplines, objectives and contents available online or requested from the course coordinator. Descriptive data analysis was performed. Results It was found that assistive technology content was offered in the investigated universities, with a difference between the workload and the content offered. The analysis by assistive technology application area showed that the content on orthoses is offered in 100% of the analyzed courses, followed by assistive products for the performance of daily activities and prostheses, both contents found in 75% of the courses; mobility equipment; accessibility and universal design in 62.5%; alternative communication in 50% of the courses. Conclusion The results point to the relevance of greater homogeneity of content between the investigated universities and suggest that this study has the potential to foster discussions about the formation of occupational therapists in the assistive technology area, since the results come from the analysis of undergraduate courses located in the state which has the largest number of occupational therapy courses in Brazil.

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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2022.939241.].