Comparison of the Using Ability Between a Smartphone and a Conventional Mobile Phone in People With Cervical Cord Injury

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2014 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5535/arm.2014.38.2.183 · Published: April 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The study investigates how well people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) can use smartphones compared to older mobile phones. Assistive devices like mouth sticks and splints were tested to see which ones help SCI patients use mobile phones more effectively. The research found that with the right assistive tools, people with SCI could use smartphones faster and were more satisfied compared to using conventional mobile phones.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

17 people with motor complete cervical SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants with C4 cord injuries found mouth sticks to be the most suitable assistive device for using mobile phones.
2
All participants were able to complete the Phone Number Test (PNT) on a smartphone, while only 71% could do so on a conventional mobile phone.
3
Participants completed the PNT faster on a smartphone (18.8 seconds) compared to a conventional mobile phone (26.8 seconds).

Research Summary

This study compared the ability of individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI) to use smartphones versus conventional mobile phones, focusing on identifying appropriate assistive devices. The Multi-Directional Click Test (MDCT) was used to select the most suitable assistive device for each participant, followed by the Phone Number Test (PNT) and satisfaction inquiries for both phone types. The study concluded that smartphones, when paired with appropriate assistive devices, allowed SCI patients to access mobile cellular devices more quickly and with greater satisfaction compared to conventional mobile phones.

Practical Implications

Assistive device selection

Provides insights into selecting appropriate assistive devices based on the level of cervical spinal cord injury, improving mobile phone usability.

Smartphone accessibility

Highlights the potential of smartphones to enhance accessibility and satisfaction for individuals with SCI compared to conventional phones.

Future device development

Encourages the development of new assistive and interface devices specifically designed for smartphone use by individuals with C4 level SCI.

Comparison of the Using Ability Between a Smartphone and a Conventional Mobile Phone in People With Cervical Cord Injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Assistive device selection

Smartphone accessibility

Future device development

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Comparison of the Using Ability Between a Smartphone and a Conventional Mobile Phone in People With Cervical Cord Injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Assistive device selection

Smartphone accessibility

Future device development

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?