ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1995.10132255

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1995

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

Giving the rear wheels of manually propelled wheelchairs negative camber (by angling them such that the bottoms of the wheels are farther apart than the tops) has become increasingly popular, especially among active users. This study's purpose was to evaluate how changing camber affects a wheelchair's mechanics and the extent of these changes. Using a representative wheelchair occupied by an anthropomorphic dummy, we altered the camber from +15° to −15° and measured the effects on nine selected variables. In addition to increasing the wheelchair's track width, negative camber increases the wheelchair's wheelbase and decreases the height of the frame. With negative camber, the center of gravity (CG) of the occupied wheelchair moves backwards. Negative camber causes a backwards tilt of the frame which, in turn, causes toe-out of the rear wheels, a positive caster-inclination angle and an increase in the caster-trail distance. It is apparent that a change in one component of a wheelchair can affect many others, which should be taken into consideration and, where appropriate, compensated for when changing the camber of the wheelchair.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1995.10132256

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1995

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

This qualitative study investigated the perceptions of three men with spinal cord injuries regarding the impact of assistive devices on their daily lives. Data were collected through open-ended face-to-face interviews and observations in the participants' homes. Thematic analysis yielded three recurrent themes: “getting out,” “what do I do with all this time,” and “I found an easier way.” Concerns relating to personal freedom, choices, independence, and feelings regarding usefulness and control over daily lives were evident as main issues underlying the three themes. Assistive devices perceived as “advantageous” were simple, appropriate for use in the home, and easy to use in the home. Devices perceived as “complex” were abandoned or modified.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1995.10132257

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1995

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

A perspective is offered on rehabilitation engineering educational strategies, with a focus on the bachelor's and master's levels. Ongoing changes in engineering education are summarized, especially as related to the integration of design and computers throughout the curriculum; most positively affect rehabilitation engineering training. The challenge of identifying long-term “niches” for rehabilitation engineers within a changing rehabilitation service delivery process is addressed. Five key training components are identified and developed: core science and engineering knowledge, synthesized open-ended problem-solving skill development, hands-on design experience, rehabilitation breadth exposure, and a clinical internship. Two unique abilities are identified that help demarcate the engineer from other providers: open-ended problem-solving skills that include quantitative analysis when appropriate, and objective quantitative evaluation of human performance. Educational strategies for developing these abilities are addressed. Finally, a case is made for training “hybrid” engineers/therapists, in particular bachelor-level engineers who go directly to graduate school to become certified orthotists/prosthetists or physical/occupational therapists, pass the RESNA-sponsored assistive technology service provision exam along the way, then later in life obtain a professional engineer's license and an engineering master's degree.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1995.10132258

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1995

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

A rehabilitation technology assessment is an essential element in the array of rehabilitation technology services provided for vocational rehabilitation (VR) clients. As a part of a comprehensive survey of rehabilitation technology services in VR agencies, information was collected on current practices in rehabilitation technology assessment. Some variation in length, components included, and professionals involved were found among agencies. A complete description of these assessments as reported by VR agencies is discussed and commonalities in current practice are described.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1995.10132259

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1995

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

In the first part of this study, the inflation-pressure and interface-pressure profiles of an active cushion system, the Talley active air bellows cushion, were examined continuously for one complete working cycle using the dynamic pressure monitor. The relationship between the inflation pressure and the interface pressure was explored. A well-defined relationship was found in the areas directly over the air bellows. In the second part of this study, the pressure-relieving characteristics of the active cushion were assessed quantitatively and compared to two types of passive cushions—the Roho high-profile air floatation cushion and the polyurethane (PU) foam cushion. Eight non-disabled subjects were positioned on the active cushion at two inflation-pressure levels—30 mmHg and 60 mmHg, or on the Roho or the PU foam cushions. Interface pressures were recorded using the Oxford pressure monitor. For the active cushion it was shown that the higher the inflation pressure was, the better the pressure-relieving characteristics seemed to be. In general, the pressure-relieving characteristics of the active cushion were not as good as those of the passive cushions being tested. The active cushion could alter the pressures over the ischial tuberosities cyclically but the amount of pressure alternation depended on the relative position of the ischial tuberosities and the air bellows.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1995.10132260

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1995

数据来源: Taylor

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1995.10132261

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1995

数据来源: Taylor

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1995.10132262

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1995

数据来源: Taylor

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1995.10132263

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1995

数据来源: Taylor

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1995.10132264

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1995

数据来源: Taylor