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Ripat J, Giesbrecht E, Borisoff J, Morales E, Harrison KL. Development of the Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN) course. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2024; 5:1330507. [PMID: 38783992 PMCID: PMC11112032 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1330507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Manual wheelchairs (MWC) users have limited mobility during winter months as they encounter many environmental barriers that restrict their community participation. This paper outlines the creation and standardization of an outdoor environment designed to simulate the real-life conditions and obstacles experienced by MWC users in winter. Methods and results This study consisted of four phases. In Phase 1, researchers used a qualitative ethnographic approach to document the specific challenges and adaptive strategies used by MWC users in winter conditions. In Phase 2, key informants with expertise in MWC winter mobility were invited to co-design the Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN) course. Participants reviewed draft design solutions and offered their input and suggestions to expand upon the initial design. A second co-design workshop included additional key informants, including service providers, policymakers, and professionals with expertise in landscape architecture and engineering, to validate the design solution. The workshops resulted in a detailed illustration of the SNOWMAN course, including five sections: platforms with side slopes, a miniature ice rink, curbs and curb cuts, a path with uneven winter surfaces, and modular ramps at various slopes. Phases 3 and 4 marked the conclusion of the study and involved fabrication of the SNOWMAN course and establishment of a standardized protocol for course setup and maintenance. Discussion The project aimed to offer several additional potential benefits, supported by the various stakeholders across the study phases, that extend beyond creation of a controlled and safe environment for wheelchair users to develop their winter mobility skills. Practicing wheelchair skills in this area may assist wheelchair users in gaining confidence which may ultimately translate to increased participation in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquie Ripat
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ed Giesbrecht
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jaimie Borisoff
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Design Laboratory, MAKE+ Applied Research, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Ernesto Morales
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kara-Lyn Harrison
- Applied Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Tieosapjaroen W, Chen E, Ritchwood T, Li C, Conklin JL, Babatunde AO, Ongkeko AM, Nwaozuru U, Tucker JD, Castillo Carandang NT, Ong JJ. Designathons in health research: a global systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e013961. [PMID: 38453248 PMCID: PMC10921519 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A designathon is a three-stage participatory activity informed by design thinking. There is a growing literature on designathons in health. This study synthesised designathons' effectiveness and implementation-related factors to address health challenges. METHODS We searched Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry for articles containing primary data on designathons for health from their dates of inception to 29 November 2022. We retrieved additional studies from citation searching and a complementary open call. We synthesised data on designathons' effectiveness (ie, engagement, outputs and implementation), required resources and implementation-related factors (ie, resources, facilitators, barriers, strengths and limitations). We assessed the risk of bias using a checklist adapted from Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. RESULTS In total, 4973 citations were identified, and 42 studies were included. In total, 26 studies (62%) were from high-income countries. The median number of total participants was 49, divided into a median of 8 teams. The duration of the intensive collaboration phase ranged from 3 hours to 7 days. Common evaluation criteria were feasibility, innovation and impact. Idea and prototype outputs included mobile phone applications, educational programmes and medical devices. Interventions developed from a designathon was estimated to be highly cost-effective. The most common facilitators were interdisciplinary participants and high-quality mentorship. The most common barriers were suboptimal execution of the events, difficulties in balancing interdisciplinary participants across teams and limited support for participants along the process. There were limited data on required resources and further implementation of solutions after designathons. CONCLUSION Given designathons' adaptability in terms of budget, mode of delivery, type of output and involvement of diverse participants, including end users, designathons can be implemented in a wide range of contexts to address various health issues. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023389685.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warittha Tieosapjaroen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Chen
- Department of Health Behavior, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tiarney Ritchwood
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chunyan Li
- Tokyo College, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jamie L Conklin
- Health Sciences Library, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Arturo M Ongkeko
- National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, The Philippines
- Foundation for the Advancement of Clinical Epidemiology Inc, Manila, The Philippines
| | - Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nina T Castillo Carandang
- Foundation for the Advancement of Clinical Epidemiology Inc, Manila, The Philippines
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, The Philippines
| | - Jason J Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Gemmell E, Adjei-Boadi D, Sarkar A, Shoari N, White K, Zdero S, Kassem H, Pujara T, Brauer M. "In small places, close to home": Urban environmental impacts on child rights across four global cities. Health Place 2023; 83:103081. [PMID: 37506630 PMCID: PMC7615291 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Urban environments influence child behaviours, exposures and experiences and may affect health, development, achievement and realization of fundamental human rights. We examined the status of eleven UN Convention on the Rights of the Child articles, in a multi-case study across four global cities. Within all study cities, children experienced unequal exposure to urban environmental risks and amenities. Many violations of child rights are related to car-based transportation systems and further challenged by pressures on urban systems from rapid population increases in the context of climate change. A child rights framework provides principles for a collective, multi-sectoral re-imagination of urban environments that support the human rights of all citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Gemmell
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 2206 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Dina Adjei-Boadi
- Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, MR28+9MQ, Doutor J.B. Danquah Avenue, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Asesh Sarkar
- Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology, Haridwar Highway, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
| | - Niloofar Shoari
- MRC Centre for Environment & Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom.
| | - Katherine White
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 2206 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Svetlana Zdero
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 2206 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Hallah Kassem
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 2206 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Tina Pujara
- Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology, Haridwar Highway, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
| | - Michael Brauer
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 2206 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Population Health Building, Hans Rosling Center, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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Crowther D, McCulloch H, Wong H, Mackay R, Johnson C, Chorney J, Ritchie K, Lawrence L, Bishop A, Helwig M, Curran J. Children, young people and parent engagement in health intervention design and implementation: A scoping review. Health Expect 2022; 26:1-15. [PMID: 36346148 PMCID: PMC9854306 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Engaging children and young people (CYP) with and without their parents in health research has the potential to improve the development and implementation of health interventions. However, to our knowledge, the scope of engagement activities used with this population and barriers to their engagement is unknown. The objective of this review was to identify and describe CYP engagement with and without their parents in the development and/or implementation of health interventions. METHODS This scoping review included any primary research studies reporting on engaging CYP, with or without parents, in the design and/or implementation of health interventions. Healthcare professionals had to be involved over the course of the study and the study had to take place in either community, primary or tertiary care settings. The following databases were searched in May 2017, May 2020 and June 2021: Medline (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO) and Embase (Elsevier). Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles and used a previously piloted extraction form to extract and summarize information from the included articles. RESULTS Twenty-eight articles discussing twenty-four studies were included. CYP engagement throughout the research cycle was limited. There were no observed differences in the reported presence of engagement, types of interventions or outcomes of engagement between studies engaging CYP or CYP and parents. Studies engaging CYP and parents contained limited information on how these relationships affected outcomes of engagement. Engagement was enabled primarily by the maintenance of resources and relationships among stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS Although CYP engagement often influenced health intervention and implementation design, they are inconsistently engaged across the research cycle. It is unclear whether parental involvement enhances CYP engagement. Future research should consider reporting guidelines to clarify the level of CYP and/or parent engagement, and enhance CYP engagement by fostering synergistic and sustainable partnerships with key stakeholders. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION A parent partner with codesign experience contributed to the creation of the research questions, screened titles, abstracts and full texts, helped with data extraction and provided feedback on the manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Crowther
- Strengthening Transitions in Care LabIWK HealthHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Holly McCulloch
- Strengthening Transitions in Care LabIWK HealthHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Helen Wong
- Faculty of HealthDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Rebecca Mackay
- Strengthening Transitions in Care LabIWK HealthHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Catie Johnson
- Strengthening Transitions in Care LabIWK HealthHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Jill Chorney
- Department of Psychiatry I Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Krista Ritchie
- Faculty of EducationMount Saint Vincent UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Logan Lawrence
- Research and InnovationNova Scotia HealthHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Andrea Bishop
- Policy Development and ResearchNova Scotia College of PharmacistsHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Melissa Helwig
- Research & Scholarly CommunicationsDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Janet Curran
- Strengthening Transitions in Care LabIWK HealthHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada,Faculty of HealthDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
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Prescott M, Gamache S, Mortenson WB, Best KL, Grandisson M, Mostafavi MA, Labbé D, Morales E, Mahmood A, Borisoff J, Sawatzky B, Miller WC, Bulk LY, Robillard JM, Routhier F. Providing Accessible ReCreation Outdoors-User-driven Research on Standards: Mobile and virtual interviews for winter assessments (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e38715. [PMID: 36206037 PMCID: PMC9587487 DOI: 10.2196/38715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although there have been recent efforts to improve access to Canadian national parks, many remain not fully accessible to people with disabilities. Winter conditions, in particular, present challenges that limit their participation in outdoor activities. Objective This study aimed to develop a novel method to assess park access during winter, which will inform recommendations for national park standards to meet the needs of all park visitors (regardless of ability) during winter conditions. Methods A larger participatory mixed methods research project exploring park access was adapted. A 3-phase approach has already been proposed to achieve the study objectives. In the first phase, a scoping review of the existing accessibility standards will be conducted. In the second phase, objective audits of trails and features in 6 parks, 3 in western Canada and 3 in eastern Canada, will be conducted, as well as mobile interviews with 24 various participants in each region regarding their experiences of and recommendations for improving the park’s accessibility. In the final phase, a Delphi participatory consensus development process will be used, based on the data gathered in the first 2 phases, to prioritize recommendations for standards. This paper will focus on the second phase of the study, specifically on whether the in-person winter mobile interviews (ie, walking and wheeling interviews) with people who have a wide range of disabilities while visiting 3 parks in 2 provinces were modified. Changes were made to accommodate the extreme winter weather conditions in Quebec while using safe and informative data collection methods. Results In Quebec, one park, where winter conditions are safer, has been assessed in person (n=4). Web-based interviews were used to facilitate the assessment of other winter and summer conditions in two other parks (n=8). Winter and web-based interviews were completed in April 2022. Data are currently being collected and analyzed, and results will be completed by December 2022. Conclusions We expect that adapting the protocol to gather further information on winter conditions and access to parks will provide high-quality and rich data to better inform park access standards. This participatory mixed methods research will inform the development of park standards that consider the accessibility needs of all people. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/38715
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Prescott
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre for Research in Geospatial Data and Intelligence, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Gamache
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - W Ben Mortenson
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- GF Strong Rehabilitation Research Program, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Krista L Best
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Grandisson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Mir Abolfazl Mostafavi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre for Research in Geospatial Data and Intelligence, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Geomatics Sciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Delphine Labbé
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Disability and Human Development Department, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ernesto Morales
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Atiya Mahmood
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jaimie Borisoff
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Rehabilitation Engineering Design Lab, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Bonita Sawatzky
- Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- GF Strong Rehabilitation Research Program, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Laura Yvonne Bulk
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julie M Robillard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - François Routhier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Montgomery RE, Li Y, Dutta T, Holliday PJ, Fernie GR. Quantifying Mobility Scooter Performance in Winter Environments. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 102:1902-1909. [PMID: 34237307 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify mobility scooter performance when traversing snow, ice, and concrete in cold temperatures and to explore possible performance improvements with scooter winter tires. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Hospital-based research institute. PARTICIPANTS Two drivers (50 and 100 kg) tested 8 scooter models (N=8). Two mobility scooters were used for winter tire testing. INTERVENTIONS Scooters were tested on 3 different conditions in a random sequence (concrete, 2.5-cm depth snow, bare ice). Ramp ascent and descent, as well as right-angle cornering up to a maximum of 10° slopes on winter conditions, were observed. Winter tire testing used the same slopes with 2 scooters on bare and melting ice surfaces. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Maximum achievable angle (MAA) and tire traction loss for ramp ascent and descent performance. The ability to steer around a corner on the ramp. RESULTS All scooters underperformed in winter conditions, specifically when traversing snow- and ice-covered slopes (χ2 [2, N=8]=13.87-15.55, P<.001) and corners (χ2 [2, N=8]=12.25, P<.01). Half of the scooters we tested were unable to climb a 1:12 grade (4.8°) snow-covered slope without losing traction. All but 1 failed to ascend an ice-covered 1:12 grade (4.8°) slope. Performance was even more unsatisfactory for the forward downslopes on both snow and ice. Winter tires enhanced the MAA, permitting 1:12 (4.8°) slope ascent on ice. CONCLUSIONS Mobility scooters need to be designed with winter months in mind. Our findings showed that Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant built environments, such as curb ramps that conform to a 1:12 (4.8°) slope, become treacherous or impassible to mobility scooter users when covered in ice or snow. Scooter manufacturers should consider providing winter tires as optional accessories in regions that experience ice and snow accumulation. Additional testing/standards need to be established to evaluate winter mobility scooter performance further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger E Montgomery
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario.
| | - Yue Li
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Tilak Dutta
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario; Institute of Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Pamela J Holliday
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Geoff R Fernie
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario; Institute of Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Gudjonsdottir B, Gudmundsdottir SB. Mobility devices for children with physical disabilities: use, satisfaction and impact on participation. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2021:1-8. [PMID: 34102088 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2021.1913519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children with physical disabilities commonly use mobility devices. There is a lack of studies on the use and impact of mobility devices on activities and participation. Research is needed on satisfaction with the service delivery process of mobility devices. PURPOSE To examine the use and impact of mobility devices among children with physical disabilities and the satisfaction with the properties of their mobility devices and related services. MATERIALS AND METHODS A web-based survey was sent to parents of 6 - 18 years old children with physical disabilities who used mobility devices in Iceland. The use and effectiveness of mobility devices were assessed with a questionnaire designed for this study. The satisfaction was measured with Quebec user evaluation of satisfaction with assistive technology (QUEST) 2.0. RESULTS The survey was sent to 55 families and 36 replied. Most of the children used mobility devices in social activities. The number of participants who reported positive effects of devices on activities and participation, depended on environmental settings. There was no significant difference in participants' satisfaction between types of mobility devices. Also, there was no significant difference in participants' satisfaction with the properties of the device and the related service (for wheeled walkers p = 0.47, manual wheelchairs p = 0.08, powered wheelchairs p = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate the importance of mobility devices for activities and participation and can guide healthcare workers when providing mobility devices where environmental factors across settings must be kept in mind. Stakeholders should be aware of the value of satisfaction with the devices and related services.Implications for Rehabilitation:Children with physical disabilities use mobility devices across different environmental settings and need to have more than one type of equipment.This study confirms results from earlier research that mobility devices are important for the activities and participation of children with disabilities.It is important to understand how the delivery process of devices is perceived by those who receive them. High satisfaction is an indicator of high quality of service.Environmental factors across settings must be kept in mind in the delivery process of assistive devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjorg Gudjonsdottir
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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A Driver Training Program Intervention for Student Drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multi-site Randomised Controlled Trial. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:3707-3721. [PMID: 33389302 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04825-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this multi-site randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Driving Training Program, an intervention designed for student drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were 72 student drivers with ASD (ages 16-31) who were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. Student drivers received ten driving lessons with a professional driving instructor via a standardised driving route. The Driving Performance Checklist was used as the outcome measure to evaluate the driving performance of student drivers during on-road pre- and post-observational drives. Both groups showed an improvement in driving performance, however, the extent of improvement between groups was not significant. Findings showed promising intervention efficacy for training student drivers with ASD to drive.
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Ripat J, Sibley KM, Giesbrecht E, Curtis B, Touchette A, Borisoff J, Ethans K, Li Y, Morales E. Winter Mobility and Community Participation Among People Who Use Mobility Devices: A Scoping Review. Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl 2020; 2:100018. [PMID: 33543060 PMCID: PMC7853381 DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2019.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the knowledge, products, and strategies for individuals with mobility-related disabilities used to address challenging winter conditions. DATA SOURCES AgeLine, OVID, Scopus, and CIHAHL were searched for studies that met the inclusion criteria, from inception to April 2018. Sources for gray literature, or information outside commercial publishing, included ProQUEST, government websites, and manufacturers, vendors, and consumer organization websites. SOURCE SELECTION Population of people with limited or reduced mobility or mobility device users involved in winter-related environmental conditions; aim was to increase activity, participation, or safety. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria to select eligible sources. Two reviewers independently extracted the data from each source. DATA SYNTHESIS Twenty-three published peer-reviewed papers were located. Study populations were predominantly those who used wheelchairs (mixed wheelchair type, n=7; power, n=4; manual, n=2), canes (n=3), or specialized winter footwear (n=2). The primary focus of these papers was determined to be tool or device (n=10), recommendations (n=9), strategy (n=2), or resource (n=2). Civic policy documents were variable in citizen responsibility for snow clearing. Limited winter-related supports were identified on consumer organization websites. Although some winter-specific products exist, very few studies have examined the effectiveness of any of these products. CONCLUSIONS Despite the common experience of challenging winter conditions, a paucity of winter-specific research and innovation relevant for individuals who use mobility devices exists. Researchers, consumers, and industry need to partner to develop novel tools, strategies, resources, and evidence-based recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquie Ripat
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kathryn M. Sibley
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Centre for Healthcare Innovation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ed Giesbrecht
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brittany Curtis
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Alexie Touchette
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jaimie Borisoff
- Rehabilitation Engineering Design Laboratory, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen Ethans
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yue Li
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ernesto Morales
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Exoskeletons for Personal Use After Spinal Cord Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2019; 102:331-337. [PMID: 31228407 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2019.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Before the development of robotic exoskeletons, mobility options beyond a wheelchair were very limited for most people lacking leg movement due to spinal cord injury (SCI). Over the years, robotic exoskeletons have become more widely available and now have the potential to be successfully used for personal use at home and in the community. However, it is important that users set realistic expectations. The features and capabilities of each robotic exoskeleton differ, and how exoskeletons are used may vary greatly between individuals. Robotic exoskeletons can allow individuals with SCI with varying levels of injury to safely and functionally walk for personal mobility or exercise. The following special communication will discuss important considerations surrounding exoskeleton use including feasibility, safety, cost, speed, and potential health benefits of using an exoskeleton for everyday life for people with SCI.
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Berthelette M, Mann DD, Ripat J, Glazebrook CM. Assessing manual wheelchair caster design for mobility in winter conditions. Assist Technol 2018; 32:31-37. [DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2018.1464080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Berthelette
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - D. D. Mann
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - J. Ripat
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - C. M. Glazebrook
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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