A5022522461- Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
- Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
- Effects of Vibration on Health
- Traffic and Road Safety
- Family and Disability Support Research
- Urban Transport and Accessibility
- Injury Epidemiology and Prevention
- Structural Engineering and Vibration Analysis
- Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
- Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
- Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development
- Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Engineering Education and Curriculum Development
- Delphi Technique in Research
- Disability Education and Employment
- Muscle activation and electromyography studies
- Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Robotics
- Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
- Technology Use by Older Adults
- Trauma and Emergency Care Studies
- Noise Effects and Management
- Technology Assessment and Management
- Gaze Tracking and Assistive Technology
- Inclusion and Disability in Education and Sport
University of Pittsburgh
2016-2025
International Society for Computational Biology
2017-2023
Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (United States)
2022
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
2007-2021
Osmania University
2020
University of Kansas
2020
Life University
2020
Rehabilitation Research and Development Service
2012-2017
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
2009-2013
Veterans Research Foundation of Pittsburgh
2011
For people who have a mobility impairment, access to an appropriate wheelchair is important step towards social inclusion and participation. The World Health Organization Guidelines for the Provision of Manual Wheelchairs in Less Resourced Settings emphasize eight critical steps services, which include: referral, assessment, prescription, funding ordering, product preparation,fitting adjusting, user training, follow-up maintenance/repairs. purpose this study was investigate how provision...
Abstract The biomechanical consequences of an isolated overload to the vertebral body may play a role in etiology fracture. In this context, we quantified residual strains and reductions stiffness ultimate load when bodies were loaded various levels beyond elastic regimen related these properties externally applied strain bone density. Twenty‐three (T11‐L4, from 23 cadavers aged 20–90 years) once compression randomized nominal level between 0.37 4.5%, unloaded, then reloaded 10% strain....
In this experience report, we describe the experiences of volunteer assistive device designers, clinicians, and human computer interaction fabrication researchers who met at a summit on Do-It-Yourself Assistive Technology. From perspectives these stakeholders, elucidate significant challenges introducing rapid prototyping to design professional technology, opportunities for advancing technology. We in context an emerging gap between clinical design. Whereas process is fully led by question,...
A total of 3.6 million Americans and over 250,000 veterans use wheelchairs. The need for advancements in mobility-assistive technologies is continually growing due to advances medicine rehabilitation that preserve prolong the lives people with disabilities, increases senior population, number civilians involved conflict situations. purpose this study survey a large sample other consumers disabilities who identify priorities future research development. This asked participants provide...
A rigorous description of the magnitude and direction 3D force vector each thumb muscle produces at thumb-tip is necessary to understand biomechanical consequences pinch a variety paralyses surgical procedures (such as tendon transfers). In this study, we characterized thumb-tip, investigated if these vectors scaled linearly with tension. 13 cadaver specimens, measured output produced by acting on thumb, plus two common transfers, function input After fixing hand rigid frame, mounted...
Purpose of state: The aims this study were to develop a Wheelchair Maintenance Training Programme (WMTP) as tool for clinicians teach wheelchair users (and caregivers when applicable) in group setting perform basic maintenance at home the USA and Questionnaire (WMT-Q) evaluate knowledge clinicians, manual power users.Methods: WMTP WMT-Q developed through an iterative process.Results: A convenience sample (n = 17), ∞ 5), 4) provided feedback on training programme. 38), 25), 30) answered...
Valid and reliable assessment tools to test wheelchair service personnel/provider knowledge are needed support good practice. The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals' Basic Manual Service Provision Test (Version 1) has been widely used across contexts settings assess the personnel who provide manual services. Version 2 recently developed according current evidence. objectives this study were internal consistency reliability construct validity for 2. A convenience sample 156...
Manual wheelchair users (MWU) frequently experience upper limb (UL) injury and pain. Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) provide guidance on how to reduce risk of UL pain but the recommendations only general advice such as minimizing repetitive strain by reducing rolling resistance (RR). RR is due energy loss between wheels ground during propulsion a major contributor for MWUs. Motivated recommendation RR, we developed clinical decision support system (CDSS) client-specific predictions across...
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the opinions providers mobility assistive technologies help inform a research agenda and set priorities.Materials methods: This survey anonymous gathered individuals who participate in process provide wheelchairs other clients. Participants were asked rank importance developing various items against each terms order importance. also respond several open-ended questions or statements.Results: A total 161 from 35 states within USA consented...
An estimated 70 million people with disabilities need wheelchairs. To address this global crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed an eight-step wheelchair service provision model to ensure quality regardless of resource setting. The International Society Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) aims facilitate integration WHO into professional rehabilitation programmes.To develop enhanced understanding current education provided in programmes worldwide.In a cross-sectional design, online...
Currently, there is no internationally accepted way to measure the competency of wheelchair service professionals. The International Society Wheelchair Professionals aims develop a Service Provision - Basic Test as preliminary step towards establishing certification process. A team provision experts developed test questions and conducted alpha beta testing in order validate them. Low-performing items were eliminated. pilot was then conducted, which focused on developing pass score,...
Previous studies found that select titanium ultralight rigid wheelchairs (TURWs) had fewer equivalent cycles and less value than aluminum folding (AUFWs). The causes of premature failure TURWs were not clear because the different frame material design AUFWs. We tested 12 (AURWs) with similar designs dimensions as using American National Standards Institute/Rehabilitation Engineering Assistive Technology Society North America International Organization for Standardization wheelchair standards...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure wheelchair (WC) users in their communities and determine the effect WC frame type (folding, rigid, suspension) reducing WBV transmitted person.An observational case-control levels among users.Thirty-seven users, with no pressure sores, 18 years old or older able perform independent transfers.WC were monitored for 2 weeks collect exposure, as well activity levels, by using custom data-loggers. Vibration evaluated...
According to the International Standards Organization 2631-1 standard on human vibration, individuals in a seated position are at risk of injury due whole-body vibrations when exposed for long periods time. Wheelchair users fit this description perfectly; however, little research has been conducted evaluate amount vibration transmitted wheelchair user. The exposure produced by traversing nine surfaces was evaluated having 10 without disabilities propel over them both manual 1 m/s and powered...
To achieve safe and independent mobility, people usually depend on published information, prior experience, the knowledge of others, and/or technology to navigate unfamiliar outdoor indoor environments. Today, due advances in various technologies, wayfinding navigation systems servic
Premature failures of wheelchairs in less-resourced environments (LREs) may be because shortcomings product regulation and quality standards. The standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specify wheelchair tests durability, safety performance, but their applicability to products used rugged conditions LREs is unclear. Because this, wheelchair-related guidelines World Health recommended developing more rigorous durability wheelchairs.
And estimated 20-100 million wheelchairs are needed in developing countries. Efforts to provide either through donations or by starting small-scale workshops have been made for decades, but estimates suggest that less than 1 provided. We undertook this study better understand why these efforts not met the need, and investigate if other technology transfer models may be successful wheelchair provision.We performed a literature review, discussed our own experiences with transfer, used...