[Design of information tools on technical aids for front-line professionals working with people losing their autonomy]. / Conception de supports d'information sur les aides techniques pour les professionnels travaillant auprès de personnes en perte d'autonomie.

The use of technical aids has a positive impact on the autonomy and quality of life of elderly or disabled people, and is also beneficial for the caregivers and professionals who support them. Nevertheless, there are still major obstacles to their use, notably a general lack of information on technical aids. This observation led us to produce a set of information tools to help people better understand these aids and how to use them.

The Content of Physiotherapy and Factors Impacting on Reablement - A National Study.

Purpose: Reablement is a multidisciplinary intervention aimed at promoting function and independence for people with functional decline. Detailed descriptions of various professions' actions are needed for organization and evaluation of reablement services. This study describes physiotherapy practice in a reablement context in Swedish municipalities, focusing on the content and magnitude of interventions. Methods: Physiotherapists (n=108) from 34 municipalities answered a web-based survey covering the target group, content and duration of their actions, and number of contacts initiated over a 3-week period. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. Results: Overall, 1005 cases were reported, with a mean age of 78.9 years (SD: 11.7); about 91% (n=912) were aged ≥65 and 61% (n=612) were women. About 70% were allocated to home care; 16% (n=160) of these had minor functional limitations (eg, needing safety alarms/help with domestic tasks), and 55% (n=550) had major functional limitations (eg, needing help with personal activities of daily living). The most reported actions were providing technical aids (60.8%, n=576), instructions/counseling (41.5%, n=393), walking/climbing stairs (27.6%, n=262), strength training (27.2%, n=258), and fall prevention (25.5%, n=242). Almost half of the cases included one action (n=494) and about 89% (n=890) targeted primary needs (body functions, walking indoors, self-care, or domestic life), mainly in clients with major functional limitations (odds ratio=2.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.95-4.49). About 50% (n=517) of the cases involved 1-2 contacts; about 55% (n=549) were completed within 3 weeks. Exercise was associated with ≥6 visits over ≥7 weeks. Supervision of home care staff was performed in 19.1% (n=181) of cases. Conclusion: Reablement physiotherapy mostly comprises a few actions over a relatively short period. Whether this is a conscious strategy based on the purpose of home-based physiotherapy or clients' needs and wishes, or conversely an expression of limited resources, remains to be investigated.

'When I use the electric wheelchair, I can be myself' - real-life stories about occupational identity construction.

BACKGROUND: Young and adult users of electric wheelchairs (EWs) describe how EWs have personal, functional, emotional, and symbolic values and are considered by some to be part of the self. AIM: The aim of this study was to increase our understanding of how occupational identity is constructed in the daily practices of EW users. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Context-based, in-depth oral stories and filmed sequences of daily practice enactments of persons who have used an EW since childhood were the basis for the narrative analysis. FINDINGS: The findings elucidate how the informants enact and tell about their identity-development in response to daily and relational practices, and its relevance to the informant's sense of self, belonging, competence, life-prospects, conduct, and awareness of shifting values, and this was likewise demonstrated in different appearances and roles related to social recognition. A model illustrating the findings is proposed. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Contextual values and exploring experiences, such as possibilities to develop competences and roles, along with encountering social recognition, but also hindering regulations and adversities, influence the development of occupational identities. Findings in this study can contribute to increased understanding, conscious political decisions, as well as a more person-centred approach within healthcare.

Who uses technical aids in old age? Exploring the implementation of technology-based home modifications in Europe.

Introduction: Home modifications and features, e.g., handrails or ramps for people using wheelchairs, should allow residents with functional limitations to maintain social participation, health, and wellbeing for aging in place. However, there is little evidence in relation to the individual characteristics shaping this implementation of technology-based home modifications. Current studies often focus on describing the distribution of certain implementations in households but do not provide information on factors predicting the implementation or detailed and multifaceted data on associations with characteristics of the older user. This article, therefore, examines the use of well-established technological aids and home modifications (e.g., ramps, handrails, automatic doors, bathroom or kitchen modifications, chair lifts, and alerting devices) in the households of older adults in Europe. We refer to Lawton's and Nahemow's concept of personal-environment fit and describe the use of technical aids across 18 countries, analyze associations with individual characteristics and social resources, and compare those associations and variance explanation between older adults in their third age ("young-old", 65-79 years) and older adults in their fourth age ("old-old", 80+). Methods: Drawing on representative data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), wave 6, a total of N = 38,553 older adults aged 65-105 years (M = 74.4 years, SD = 7.1; 55% women) were analyzed by performing hierarchical logistic regression analyses. Results: Indicators of functioning explained the highest proportion of variance, followed by social resources, and variance explanation was higher for the fourth age than for the third age. In particular, older adults with physical limitations, a larger social network, and those who received care from a child outside the household were more likely to have home modifications installed. Discussion: The study provides an overview of associations of diverse variables with assistive devices and modifications in the home and can serve as a starting point for public health activities concerning the heterogeneity of people aged 65 years and older.

The Usability of ICTs in People with Visual Disabilities: A Challenge in Spain.

The use of ICTs provides autonomy, equity, and social inclusion to people with visual disabilities. The National Organization of the Spanish Blind (ONCE) offers its 70,462 legally-blind people the necessary resources for the usability of ICTs. Still, most individuals with visual disabilities do not have a similar support system. This research aims to expose and make visible the importance and need for ICTs usage in this group. The qualitative approach has allowed the modeling of a contextualized inductive process through two heterogeneous discussion groups: eight individuals with legal blindness and six with moderate visual impairment, as well as three in-depth interviews with experts in typhlotechnology, accessibility, and low vision. The following has been verified: there is a lot of misinformation among people with visual disabilities outside the coverage of ONCE; accessibility is still not a priority for companies and institutions when creating and developing products and services with Design for All; the need for more professionals to advise and train users with blindness and low vision is clear. In Spain, there are almost a million visually-impaired people not affiliated with ONCE, for whom access to technical aids and digital literacy is a priority problem in which the Government should intervene.

Biomechanical Changes on the Typical Sites of Pressure Ulcers in the Process of Turning Over from Supine Position: Theoretical Analysis, Simulation, and Experiment.

Pressure ulcers are mainly caused by prolonged pressure on local tissues. The current method of preventing pressure ulcers is mainly to change the patient's position by turning, so it is significant to study the biomechanics of the typical site of pressure ulcers. Based on anatomical theory, a three-dimensional model of the shoulder and hip was established, and the theoretical contact pressure between the body and the bed was calculated by force analysis. Then, finite element models of typical parts of pressure ulcers were established, and the maximum stresses under different boundary conditions were obtained by finite element analysis. Finally, a human body turning experiment was conducted using a pressure distribution sensor, and the pressure distribution clouds and maximum contact pressure curves under different turning angles were obtained. The results show that the extreme point of maximum stress occurs at [Formula: see text], producing a stress concentration phenomenon; the peak stresses at the shoulder and hip are more balanced in the angular threshold range of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], the stresses are more dispersed, and there exists an angular threshold for optimal integrated pressure, which can improve the efficiency of the use of assisted turning equipment. The relevant results help to explain the causes of pressure ulcer disease and can provide clinical references to improve the effectiveness of care.

An Innovative Concept for a Walker with a Self-Locking Mechanism Using a Single Mechanical Approach.

Background: The ageing process involves a natural degeneration of physiological function and can imply life constraints, namely during activities of daily life (ADL). Walking can be strongly affected by strength, gait, and balance changes, which affect quality of life. The quality of life of the older adult is associated with available solutions that contribute to an active and safe ageing process. Most of these solutions involve technical aids that should be adapted to older adults' conditions. Aim: To identify the advantages and disadvantages of two-wheeled walkers and of two different self-locking systems designed and developed by the authors. Methods: Two studies were performed based on the possible walker combinations used, using a walker with no wheels (classic fixed walker), a two-wheeled walker with self-locking mechanism made of gears and a spring (Approach 1), and a two-wheeled walker with a self-locking mechanism which uses a single spring (Approach 2). These combinations were tested in two quasi-experimental studies with pre-post test design. Results: No significant differences in duration, gait speed, and Expanded Timed Get Up and Go (ETGUG) were found between the walkers, but there was a marginally significant difference in Physiological Cost Index (PCIs), which means that the energetic cost with Approach 1 was greater than that with Approach 2. Users reported a feeling of insecurity and more weight, although no significant differences were observed and they were found to be equivalent in terms of safety. Study 2 found an improvement in duration and gait speed in the ETGUG between the different types of self-locking systems. Conclusions: The PCI is higher in the two-wheeled walker models and with the self-locking mechanism. Approach 2 did not show better conditions of use than the other two walkers, and participants did not highlight its braking system. Although safety is similar among the three walkers, further studies are needed, and the braking system of the two-wheeled walker needs to be improved (Approach 2).

Algoritmo de metodología para desarrollar dispositivos mecatrónicos como ayuda a personas con distrofia muscular / Methodology algorithm to develop mechatronic devices to help people with muscular dystrophy

Introducción: El avance tecnológico permite desarrollar equipos tecnológicos y ayudas técnicas que apoyen el tratamiento dirigido a un paciente. Objetivo: Generar un algoritmo para desarrollar dispositivos mecatrónicos como ayudas técnicas para personas con discapacidad física. Métodos: Se tomó como base una clasificación del diseño de estudio de tipo descriptivo, para la propuesta de una metodología de diseño e implementación de dispositivos de ayuda técnica en personas con distrofia muscular. La propuesta hace referencia al conjunto de técnicas, procedimientos y soportes documentales empleados en el diseño de sistemas de ayuda técnica, donde se integran aspectos diversos de tal forma que el proceso global sea lógico y comprensible. Resultados: El diseño obtenido comprende el desarrollo de cuatro metodologías, que inician con el proceso investigativo, luego el dispositivo mecánico, después el sistema electrónico y finaliza con el sistema de comunicación. Se dan pautas para generar cada uno de los componentes del sistema y lograr obtener un dispositivo funcional. El diseño fue probado con resultados favorables. Conclusiones: En el área de rehabilitación física, se combinan los conocimientos médicos con los ingenieriles para obtener soluciones tecnológicas que facilitan las labores a personas con discapacidad física. El diseño desarrollado, al contar con un conjunto ordenado de operaciones sistemáticas y una serie de pautas específicas para la ejecución de actividades, donde se cursan una serie de etapas, permite solucionar el tipo de problemas de referencia(AU)

Introduction: The technological advance allows developing technological equipment and technical aids that support the treatment directed to a patient. Objective: Generate an algorithm to develop mechatronic devices as technical aids for people with physical disabilities. Methods: A descriptive study design classification was used as a basis for the proposal of a methodology for the design and implementation of technical assistance devices in people with muscular dystrophy. The proposal refers to the set of techniques, procedures and documentary supports used in the design of technical assistance systems, where diverse aspects are integrated in such a way that the overall process is logical and understandable. Results: The design obtained includes the development of four methodologies, which begin with the investigative process, then the mechanical device, then the electronic system and ends with the communication system. Guidelines are given to generate each of the components of the system and achieve a functional device. The design was tested with favorable results. Conclusions: In the area of ​​physical rehabilitation, medical and engineering knowledge are combined to obtain technological solutions that facilitate the work of people with physical disabilities. The developed design, having an ordered set of systematic operations and a series of specific guidelines for the execution of activities, where a series of stages are taken, allows solving the type of reference problems(AU)

Seating.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with neuromuscular disorders are not able to adapt their sitting posture continuously. Seating devices, like seating orthoses, braces, seating shells, and custom-made cushions for wheelchairs, however may improve their quality of life by stabilizing their pelvis and trunk. Sitting should be regarded as a dynamic process regulated by motor reactions of trunk and pelvic muscles due to endogenic and exogenic influences. METHODS: Prerequisites for the indication of high-quality and cost effective seating devices are guidelines for planning and fitting which consider both pathomorphologic mechanisms and the patient's personality. In order to avoid functional problems and pain caused by an insufficient seating device it is necessary to pay attention to the exact indication, time, and combination of technical options. Planning within a seating clinic needs teamwork. Primarily the goal of treatment is defined; it depends on the functional deficit, on the daily living activities of the patient, and on the social environmental factors. Secondly, fitting of the devices follows defined treatment guidelines. CONCLUSION: By examination of the sensor and musculoskeletal system, it is possible to classify the patient's sitting or seating ability for simplifying indication: three groups of ACTIVE sitters who are able to change position of trunk and pelvis actively are differentiated from three groups of PASSIVE sitters who have to be seated.

Primera infancia y discapacidad en Chile: revisión y enfoque actual a los programas de gobierno / Early childhood and disability in Chile: review and current approach to government programs

En el presente artículo se realiza una revisión acerca de la Primera Infancia en situación de discapacidad en Chile, se abordarán los programas de gobierno que existen, su actual enfoque y se analizará si las soluciones que ofrecen son pertinentes y eficientes para este importante grupo de niños y niñas. El trabajo toma como marco de referencia la Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño y la Convención sobre los Derechos de las Personas en Situación de Discapacidad, con el fin de evaluar el estado de los derechos de estos niños y si los programas de gobierno garantizan lo convenido en ambas convenciones.

In this article we review the current Chilean government programs about early childhood with disability. The current focus of these programs will be addressed in order to analyze whether the solutions they provide are relevant and efficient for this significant group of children. This article takes as a reference the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with disability, to assess the state of the rights of these children and whether government programs guarantee what is enshrined in both conventions.

Tecnologías para mayores / Technologies for the Elderly

En este artículo relacionamos el fenómeno del envejecimiento de la población con el uso de las nuevas tecnologías como indicador clave del progreso del mundo actual. Se aportan argumentos acerca de la necesidad de planificar las políticas dirigidas a las personas mayores contando con las tecnologías de información y la comunicación, así como con las tecnologías de ayuda para potenciar la integración sociofamiliar, la autonomía personal y la calidad de vida. Esto supone de hecho un paso más, y muy importante, con relación a las actuales políticas económicas, sanitarias o asistenciales.

In this article we relate the phenomenon of population aging to the use of new technologies as an important indicator of the progress of the current world, contributing arguments about the need to plan the policies directed to the major persons considering the technologies of information and the communication and the technologies of help to promote the family and social integration, the personal autonomy and the quality of life, that supposes in fact one more step, and very importantly, on the current economic, sanitary or welfare policies.