Comparison of Manual Wheelchair and Pushrim-Activated Power-Assisted Wheelchair Propulsion Characteristics during Common Over-Ground Maneuvers.

Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) are assistive technologies that use force sensor data to provide on-demand propulsion assistance to manual wheelchair users. However, available data about kinetic and kinematic of PAPAW use are mainly limited to experiments performed on a treadmill or using a dynamometer. In this work, we performed experiments to gather kinetics of wheelchair propulsion and kinematics of wheelchair motion for a variety of over-ground wheelchair maneuvers with a manual wheelchair with and without PAPAWs. Our findings revealed that using PAPAWs can significantly reduce the propulsion effort and push frequency. Both linear and angular velocities of the wheelchair were significantly increased when using PAPAWs. Less force and push frequency could potentially reduce risk of chronic upper limb injury. Higher linear velocity could be desirable for various daily life activities; however; the increase in the angular velocity could lead to unintended deviations from a desired path. Future research could investigate PAPAW controllers that amplify the desired intentions of users while mitigating any unwanted behaviours.

Fidgety Philip and the Suggested Clinical Immobilization Test: Annotation data for developing a machine learning algorithm.

The cartoon Fidgety Philip, the banner of Western-ADHD diagnosis, depicts a 'restless' child exhibiting hyperactive-behaviors with hyper-arousability and/or hypermotor-restlessness (H-behaviors) during sitting. To overcome the gaps between differential diagnostic considerations and modern computing methodologies, we have developed a non-interpretative, neutral pictogram-guided phenotyping language (PG-PL) for describing body-segment movements during sitting (Journal of Psychiatric Research). To develop the PG-PL, seven research assistants annotated three original Fidgety Philip cartoons. Their annotations were analyzed with descriptive statistics. To review the PG-PL's performance, the same seven research assistants annotated 12 snapshots with free hand annotations, followed by using the PG-PL, each time in randomized sequence and on two separate occasions. After achieving satisfactory inter-observer agreements, the PG-PL annotation software was used for reviewing videos where the same seven research assistants annotated 12 one-minute long video clips. The video clip annotations were finally used to develop a machine learning algorithm for automated movement detection (Journal of Psychiatric Research). These data together demonstrate the value of the PG-PL for manually annotating human movement patterns. Researchers are able to reuse the data and the first version of the machine learning algorithm to further develop and refine the algorithm for differentiating movement patterns.

Evidence for outcomes of motivational rehabilitation interventions for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: an American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine systematic review.

This study reviewed evidence regarding the effect of motivational rehabilitation interventions on outcomes in children with cerebral palsy. Six databases were searched for literature published up to May 2012. Included studies measured the purported motivating effects of motor-based rehabilitation interventions and the measured impact on outcomes. The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) systematic review methodology was used as a framework. Eight studies evaluated outcomes of studies using virtual reality interventions and one in a functional therapy context. Conflicting evidence from three (level II and level III) studies exists about the impact of these motivating interventions on motor outcomes measured in body functions. No statistical evidence regarding activity and participation outcomes exists. A single level II study found no significant difference in participants' motivation between motivational and conventional interventions. This review revealed a paucity of research on the effects of motivational interventions. Weaknesses include a lack of consistency in the examination of motivational interventions, limited use of definitions or theories to ground the concept of motivation, and reliance on non-validated methodological tools. This body of evidence would be strengthened by the use and development of robust outcome measures of motivation.