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Wearable Assistive Devices for Disabled and Older People
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Wearable Assistive Devices for Disabled and Older People

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Wearables".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 31235

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Marion Hersh

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Biomedical Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
Interests: assistive technology, with related work in design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Disabled and older people use assistive devices to overcome barriers to carry out activities, enabling them to do more and do so more safely, easily, and enjoyably and participate more effectively in society. Wearable devices are becoming increasingly popular and include smartwatches, headbands, rings, glasses and clothing, wireless headbands, and head-mounted displays.

Wearable assistive devices in the form of low tech prostheses date back nearly 5000 years and the first electronic assistive device may have been the Akouphone hearing aid in 1898. Technological developments, including in sensors, wireless networks, the internet of things, virtual reality, and miniaturization, provide a lot of potential for further developments.

The popularity of wearable devices gives the potential for designing wearable assistive devices that are non-stigmatizing and more likely to be used (worn). They may be less likely to be mislaid or difficult to find, an important advantage for many older and disabled people. However, wearable devices with small components may raise accessibility and usability issues.

This Special Issue covers the full range of different types of assistive devices. All papers should have a significant original contribution. However, this can take varying forms, including presentation and discussion/evaluation of the results of a survey; presentation, discussion, and evaluation of new wearable assistive devices; critical discussion of accessibility, usability, and other design issues; and/or review and critical evaluation of the current state of the art. Research methodologies should be clearly, but concisely, presented, and show rigor. All papers should clearly describe the underlying theoretical and conceptual framework and relevant to an international audience.

Prof. Dr. Marion Hersh
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Assistive device
  • Wearable
  • Accessibility
  • Usability
  • State of the art
  • End-user issues
  • Design

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 1311 KiB  
Article
Cycling through 360° Virtual Reality Tourism for Senior Citizens: Empirical Analysis of an Assistive Technology
by Cláudia Pedro Ortet, Ana Isabel Veloso and Liliana Vale Costa
Sensors 2022, 22(16), 6169; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22166169 - 17 Aug 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3232
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in using virtual reality (VR) to (re)create different scenarios and environments with interactive and immersive experiences. Although VR has been popular in the tourism sector to reconfigure tourists’ relationships with places and overcome mobility [...] Read more.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in using virtual reality (VR) to (re)create different scenarios and environments with interactive and immersive experiences. Although VR has been popular in the tourism sector to reconfigure tourists’ relationships with places and overcome mobility restrictions, its usage in senior cyclotourism has been understudied. VR is suggested to positively impact tourism promotion, cycling simulation, and active and healthy ageing due to physical and mental rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to assess the senior citizens’ perceived experience and attitudes toward a designed 360° VR cyclotouristic experiment, using a head-mounted display (HMD) setting within a laboratory context. A total of 76 participants aged between 50 and 97 years old were involved in convergent parallel mixed-method research, and data were collected using a questionnaire based on the technology acceptance model, as well as the researchers’ field notes. Findings suggest that 360° VR with HMD can be an effective assistive technology to foster senior cyclotourism by promoting tourism sites, simulating the cycling pedaling effect, and improving senior citizens’ general wellbeing and independence with physical and mental rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Assistive Devices for Disabled and Older People)
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19 pages, 2193 KiB  
Article
The MAPS: Toward a Novel Mobility Assistance System for Visually Impaired People
by Katerine Romeo, Edwige Pissaloux, Simon L. Gay, Ngoc-Tan Truong and Lilia Djoussouf
Sensors 2022, 22(9), 3316; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22093316 - 26 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2072
Abstract
This paper introduces the design of a novel indoor and outdoor mobility assistance system for visually impaired people. This system is named the MAPS (Mobility Assistance Path Planning and orientation in Space), and it is based on the theoretical frameworks of mobility and [...] Read more.
This paper introduces the design of a novel indoor and outdoor mobility assistance system for visually impaired people. This system is named the MAPS (Mobility Assistance Path Planning and orientation in Space), and it is based on the theoretical frameworks of mobility and spatial cognition. Its originality comes from the assistance of two main functions of navigation: locomotion and wayfinding. Locomotion involves the ability to avoid obstacles, while wayfinding involves the orientation in space and ad hoc path planning in an (unknown) environment. The MAPS architecture proposes a new low-cost system for indoor–outdoor cognitive mobility assistance, relying on two cooperating hardware feedbacks: the Force Feedback Tablet (F2T) and the TactiBelt. F2T is an electromechanical tablet using haptic effects that allow the exploration of images and maps. It is used to assist with maps’ learning, space awareness emergence, path planning, wayfinding and effective journey completion. It helps a VIP construct a mental map of their environment. TactiBelt is a vibrotactile belt providing active support for the path integration strategy while navigating; it assists the VIP localize the nearest obstacles in real-time and provides the ego-directions to reach the destination. Technology used for acquiring the information about the surrounding space is based on vision (cameras) and is defined with the localization on a map. The preliminary evaluations of the MAPS focused on the interaction with the environment and on feedback from the users (blindfolded participants) to confirm its effectiveness in a simulated environment (a labyrinth). Those lead-users easily interpreted the system’s provided data that they considered relevant for effective independent navigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Assistive Devices for Disabled and Older People)
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13 pages, 1680 KiB  
Article
Aligning Patient’s Ideas of a Good Life with Medically Indicated Therapies in Geriatric Rehabilitation Using Smart Sensors
by Cristian Timmermann, Frank Ursin, Christopher Predel and Florian Steger
Sensors 2021, 21(24), 8479; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21248479 - 19 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2699
Abstract
New technologies such as smart sensors improve rehabilitation processes and thereby increase older adults’ capabilities to participate in social life, leading to direct physical and mental health benefits. Wearable smart sensors for home use have the additional advantage of monitoring day-to-day activities and [...] Read more.
New technologies such as smart sensors improve rehabilitation processes and thereby increase older adults’ capabilities to participate in social life, leading to direct physical and mental health benefits. Wearable smart sensors for home use have the additional advantage of monitoring day-to-day activities and thereby identifying rehabilitation progress and needs. However, identifying and selecting rehabilitation priorities is ethically challenging because physicians, therapists, and caregivers may impose their own personal values leading to paternalism. Therefore, we develop a discussion template consisting of a series of adaptable questions for the patient–physician encounter based on the capability approach. The goal is to improve geriatric rehabilitation and thereby increase participation in social life and well-being. To achieve this goal, we first analyzed what is considered important for participation on basis of the capability approach, human rights, and ethics of care. Second, we conducted an ethical analysis of each of the four identified dimensions of participation: political, economic, socio-cultural, and care. To improve compliance with rehabilitation measures, health professionals must align rehabilitation measures in an open dialogue with the patient’s aspiration for participation in each dimension. A discussion template based on the capability approach allows for a proactive approach in patient information and stimulates a critical assessment of treatment alternatives while reducing the risk of imposing personal values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Assistive Devices for Disabled and Older People)
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19 pages, 5521 KiB  
Article
Development of a New Negative Obstacle Sensor for Augmented Electric Wheelchair
by Clément Favey, René Farcy, Julien Donnez, Jose Villanueva and Aziz Zogaghi
Sensors 2021, 21(19), 6341; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21196341 - 23 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2409
Abstract
Due to pathologies or age-related problems, in some disabled people, motor impairment is associated with cognitive and/or visual impairments. This combination of limitations unfortunately leads to an inability to move around independently. Indeed, their situation does not allow them to use a conventional [...] Read more.
Due to pathologies or age-related problems, in some disabled people, motor impairment is associated with cognitive and/or visual impairments. This combination of limitations unfortunately leads to an inability to move around independently. Indeed, their situation does not allow them to use a conventional electric wheelchair, for safety reasons, and for the moment there is no other technological solution providing safe movement capacity. This lack of access to an autonomous travel solution has the consequence of weakening the intellectual, personal, social, cultural and moral development, as well as the life expectancy, of the people concerned. In this context, our team is working on the development of an optoelectronic system that secures the displacement of electric wheelchairs. This is a large project that requires the development of several functionalities such as: the anti-collision of the wheelchair with its environment, the prevention of falls from the wheelchair on uneven levels, and the adaptation of the system mechanically and electronically to the majority of commercially available electric wheelchair models, among others. In this article, we introduce our solution for detecting dangerous height differences, also called “negative obstacles”, through the creation of a dedicated sensor. This sensor works by optical triangulation and can embed several laser beams in order to extend its detection zone. It has the particularity of being robust in direct sunlight and rain and has a sufficiently high measurement rate to be suitable for the displacement of electric wheelchairs. We develop an adapted algorithm, and point out compromises, in particular between the orientation of the laser beams and the maximal speed of the wheelchair. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Assistive Devices for Disabled and Older People)
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15 pages, 5703 KiB  
Article
Design and Experimental Characterization of L-CADEL v2, an Assistive Device for Elbow Motion
by Marco Ceccarelli, Mykhailo Riabtsev, Axel Fort, Matteo Russo, Med Amine Laribi and Monica Urizar
Sensors 2021, 21(15), 5149; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21155149 - 29 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2681
Abstract
An experimental characterization is presented for an improved version of a wearable assistive device for elbow motion. The design is revised with respect to requirements for elbow motion assistance, looking at applications both in rehabilitation therapies and exercising of elderly people. A laboratory [...] Read more.
An experimental characterization is presented for an improved version of a wearable assistive device for elbow motion. The design is revised with respect to requirements for elbow motion assistance, looking at applications both in rehabilitation therapies and exercising of elderly people. A laboratory prototype is built with lightweight, portable, easy-to-use features that are verified with test results, whose discussion is also provided as a characterization of operating performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Assistive Devices for Disabled and Older People)
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22 pages, 2655 KiB  
Article
Effect of Short-Term Exposure to Supplemental Vibrotactile Kinesthetic Feedback on Goal-Directed Movements after Stroke: A Proof of Concept Case Series
by Giulia Ballardini, Alexis Krueger, Psiche Giannoni, Lucio Marinelli, Maura Casadio and Robert A. Scheidt
Sensors 2021, 21(4), 1519; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21041519 - 22 Feb 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2799
Abstract
Many survivors of stroke have persistent somatosensory deficits on the contralesional side of their body. Non-invasive supplemental feedback of limb movement could enhance the accuracy and efficiency of actions involving the upper extremity, potentially improving quality of life after stroke. In this proof-of-concept [...] Read more.
Many survivors of stroke have persistent somatosensory deficits on the contralesional side of their body. Non-invasive supplemental feedback of limb movement could enhance the accuracy and efficiency of actions involving the upper extremity, potentially improving quality of life after stroke. In this proof-of-concept study, we evaluated the feasibility and the immediate effects of providing supplemental kinesthetic feedback to stroke survivors, performing goal-directed actions with the contralesional arm. Three survivors of stroke in the chronic stage of recovery participated in experimental sessions wherein they performed reaching and stabilization tasks with the contralesional arm under different combinations of visual and vibrotactile feedback, which was induced on the ipsilesional arm. Movement kinematics were encoded by a vibrotactile feedback interface in two ways: state feedback—an optimal combination of hand position and velocity; and error feedback—the difference between the actual hand position and its instantaneous target. In each session we evaluated the feedback encoding scheme’s immediate objective utility for improving motor performance as well as its perceived usefulness. All three participants improved their stabilization performance using at least one of the feedback encoding schemes within just one experimental session. Two of the participants also improved reaching performance with one or the other of the encoding schemes. Although the observed beneficial effects were modest in each participant, these preliminary findings show that supplemental vibrotactile kinesthetic feedback can be readily interpreted and exploited to improve reaching and object stabilizing actions performed with the contralesional arm after stroke. These short-term training results motivate a longer multisession training study using personalized vibrotactile feedback as a means to improve the accuracy and efficacy of contralesional arm actions after stroke. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Assistive Devices for Disabled and Older People)
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Review

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44 pages, 2531 KiB  
Review
Wearable Travel Aids for Blind and Partially Sighted People: A Review with a Focus on Design Issues
by Marion Hersh
Sensors 2022, 22(14), 5454; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22145454 - 21 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 10694
Abstract
The ability to travel (independently) is very important for participation in education, work, leisure activities, and all other aspects of modern life. Blind and partially sighted people experience a number of barriers to travel, including inaccessible information and environments, and consequently require support [...] Read more.
The ability to travel (independently) is very important for participation in education, work, leisure activities, and all other aspects of modern life. Blind and partially sighted people experience a number of barriers to travel, including inaccessible information and environments, and consequently require support from technology or other people to overcome them. Despite the potential of advanced technologies and the development of electronic travel aids, the long cane and guide dog remains the most commonly used solutions. Wearable technologies are becoming increasingly popular. They have the particular advantage of keeping the hands free, thereby facilitating the use of a long cane, guide dog or another device at the same time. They also have the potential to change the ways in which users interact with the environment. The main contributions of this paper are surveying the current state-of-the-art of travel aids from a design perspective and investigating the following issues: (1) The important design issues in wearable travel aids and the extent to which they are taken into account in different devices; (2) The relationship, if any, between where and how travel aids are worn and their design, features and functions; (3) Limitations of existing devices, gaps in provision and future research directions, particularly with regard to meeting potential users’ needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Assistive Devices for Disabled and Older People)
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