Browse the latest research summaries in the field of assistive technology for spinal cord injury patients and caregivers.
Showing 51-60 of 583 results
PLoS ONE, 2024 • April 2, 2024
This study developed and evaluated the ARM algorithm, an IMU-based tool to assess repetitive arm motion in manual wheelchair users (MWC) in real-world settings. The algorithm was tested and validated ...
KEY FINDING: The ARM algorithm accurately estimated active and resting times (>98%) in the community, validated against video analysis.
Front. Hum. Neurosci., 2024 • January 5, 2024
This review examines methods for measuring community mobility and participation (CMP) of manual wheelchair users (MWU), factors impacting CMP, and rehabilitation techniques. Current best practices inv...
KEY FINDING: Self-surveys, in-clinic measurements, and remote tracking are used to assess community mobility and participation in manual wheelchair users.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2025 • January 9, 2024
This systematic review assessed the effects of combining robotic therapy and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on motor function in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). It analyze...
KEY FINDING: The review of five randomized trials (n = 122) showed varied results due to differences in treatment protocols and outcome measures. However, the included studies demonstrated high methodological quality.
Sensors, 2024 • January 19, 2024
This study validated a machine learning method for detecting self- or attendant-pushed wheelchair propulsion using data from inertial sensors mounted on the wheelchair. The method achieved high accura...
KEY FINDING: The machine learning method showed high accuracy in detecting the type of wheelchair propulsion, with an F1 score of 0.886 when using both frame and wheel sensors.
Trials, 2024 • February 1, 2024
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) technology combined with conventional rehabilitation strategies for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy...
KEY FINDING: The primary outcome will be measured with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) cervical myelopathy evaluation scale.
Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2024 • January 1, 2024
This retrospective study examined the use of overground exoskeleton gait training (OEGT) for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) across the continuum of care, from inpatient rehabilitation to outpa...
KEY FINDING: Patients with motor incomplete SCI experienced clinically meaningful improvements in walking function, particularly in the outpatient setting.
PLoS ONE, 2024 • November 1, 2024
The study introduces an unsupervised learning method for real-time and continuous gait phase detection, addressing limitations in current rehabilitation robotic systems. The method uses a pre-trained ...
KEY FINDING: The developed neural network model exhibits an average time error of less than 11.51 ms across all walking conditions, indicating its suitability for real-time applications.
Biophysics Reviews, 2024 • February 21, 2024
This paper reviews recent advancements in biosignal-integrated wearable robotics, with a particular emphasis on “visualization”—the presentation of relevant data, statistics, and visual feedback to th...
KEY FINDING: Novel nanomaterial-based sensor designs improve skin conformality, reduce noise, and enhance breathability.
Front. Rehabil. Sci., 2024 • March 6, 2024
This case series investigated the safety, feasibility, and usability of a standing power wheelchair (UPnRIDE) for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Four participants used the device t...
KEY FINDING: Participants consistently maintained normal blood pressure responses between seated and standing positions throughout the training sessions.
Neurotrauma Reports, 2024 • January 1, 2024
This pilot study investigated the effects of robotic postural training combined with spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES) on upright postural control in individuals with motor complete spinal cord ...
KEY FINDING: Robotic postural training with scES re-enabled or improved upright postural control in participants with chronic, motor complete SCI.