BACKGROUND
Several disabled patients employ electric wheelchairs for daily activities and ambulation. Since tetraplegia (quadriplegia) patients suffer from severe hand dysfunction, an electric wheelchair cannot aid them completely. Electric wheelchair joysticks are often available as standardized ready-made products. Consequently, there are certain limitations to providing different complementary features for each patient’s hand dysfunction. However, owing to advancements in science and technology, the 3D scanning and printing technology can overcome such limitations.
AIM
The objective of this study is to develop customized electrical wheelchair joysticks that aid tetraplegia patients with severe hand dysfunction, whereby patients’ driving performance with electrical wheelchairs can be improved.
METHOD
During the period of September 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018, five tetraplegia patients using electric wheelchairs but not content with the original joysticks participated in this study. Patients' discomfort and issues regarding previously used wheelchair joysticks were individually identified. Through 3D scanning and modeling, customized electrical wheelchair joysticks were designed and developed. After using the customized joysticks for two weeks, the patients’ driving abilities and satisfaction with the electric wheelchairs were evaluated. Modified power-mobility indoor driving assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index (NASA-TLX), and psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale (PIADS) were employed for evaluation.
RESULTS
Results for one of the five patients are excluded owing to the patient’s medical issues.
Case 1 (KDH), Case 2 (LYH), and Case 3 (HDY):
Modified PIDA scores have the highest values (patients can follow instructions easily, accompanied by a safe and successful first trial) in the pre-test and post-test. Modified PIDA time measurements indicate time reduction in the post-test as compared to the pre-test. NASA-TLX and PIADS values indicate greater satisfaction through usage of customized joysticks in the post-test.
Case 4 (PIS):
Modified PIDA score has a higher value in the post-test (mean-value=4) as compared to the pre-test (mean-value=3.33). Modified PIDA time measurement indicates time reduction in the post-test as compared to the pre-test. NASA-TLX and PIADS values indicate greater satisfaction through usage of customized joysticks in the post-test.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
By using customized joysticks, patients can improve their electric wheelchair driving abilities and can thereby experience greater satisfaction.
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