Human Assistive Device and Implant Technology This module is designed to expose students to the various rehabilitation aids used in physically handicapped people and the medical implants design and applications. This knowledge is intended to help them come up with simple and low cost innovations in rehabilitation engineering. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of the module, students will be able to; Understand the AT for sensory impairment of vision and hearing. Assess clients for mobility aids. Assess patients for visual impairment. Assemble and disassemble simple rehabilitation aids. Explain the implant design parameters and solution in use.
. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines assistive products more broadly as any product, especially produced or generally available, that is used by or for persons with disability: for participation; to protect, support, train, measure or substitute for body functions/structures and activities; or to prevent impairments, activity limitations or participation restrictions. AT devices provide greater independence, increased opportunities for participation, and an improved quality of life for people with disabilities by enabling them to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish (or had great difficulty accomplishing or required assistance) through enhanced or alternate methods of interacting with the world around them. Assistive devices can incur significant purchase and maintenance costs, especially for children and those undergoing rehabilitation with expected improvement whose growth or changing abilities mean they will outgrow their assistive devices . Depending on your country's health system, there may be some assistive devices that are funded by your government's healthcare or by private insurers. The Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities also call upon States to support the development, production, distribution and servicing of assistive devices and equipment and the dissemination of knowledge about them.
Examples of assistive devices Mobility Wheelchairs Canes Crutches Walkers or walking frames Walking stick Tricycles White cane Prosthetics Clubfoot brace Vision Eyeglasses, magnifier, magnifying software for computer Communication cards GPs app for walking poles Hearing Hearing aids Hearing loops Positioning Cushions Splints etc
Rehabilitation Restoration of function caused by disability - through surgery, medication, therapy, and/or retraining. NOTE; Rehabilitation Engineering may be defined as a total approach to rehabilitation that combines medicine, engineering, and related sciences to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities. The term rehabilitation technology refers to the systematic application of technologies, engineering methodologies, or scientific principles to meet the needs of and address the barriers confronted by individuals with disabilities in areas which include education, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, independent living, and recreation. The term includes rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR MOBILITY Mobility aids are devices designed to help people who have problems moving around enjoy greater freedom and independence. Typically people who have disabilities or injuries, or older adults who are at increased risk of falling, choose to use mobility aids. These devices provide several benefits to users, including more independence, reduced pain, and increased confidence and self-esteem. A range of mobility devices is available to meet people’s needs – from canes and crutches to wheelchairs and stair lifts.
Types of mobility aids CANE S Canes are similar to crutches in that they support the body’s weight and help transmit the load from the legs to the upper body. However, they take less weight off the lower body than crutches and place greater pressure on the hands and wrists. Assistive canes are useful for people who have problems balancing and who are at risk of falling. In the United States (U.S.), it is estimated that 1 in every 10 adults over the age of 65 uses a cane. :
Common types of canes include White canes . These are designed specifically for assisting people who are visually impaired. White canes are longer and thinner than traditional canes and enable the user to detect objects in their path. They also inform other people that the user is blind or visually impaired. Quad canes . These have four feet at the end of the cane, providing a wider base and greater stability. Forearm canes . Offering extra forearm support, these canes allow greater weight to be distributed from the wrist to the arm. Some canes are adjustable or foldable. Canes which are used for non-medical purposes, such as by hikers, are known as walking sticks.
CRUTCHES Crutches help to transfer weight from the legs to the upper body. They can be used singly or in pairs. Crutches help keep a person upright and may be used by those with short-term injuries or permanent disabilities. There are many different types of crutches, including:
Types of crutches Axillary (underarm) crutches . One part of an axillary crutch is placed against the ribcage under the armpits, while users hold onto the hand grip. These crutches are typically used by those with short-term injuries. Lofstrand (forearm) crutches . This type of crutch involves placing the arm into a metal or plastic cuff and holding a hand grip. Forearm crutches are more commonly used by people with long-term disabilities. Platform crutches . With platform crutches, the hand holds a grip while the forearm rests on a horizontal platform. Platform crutches are not commonly used, except by people with a weak hand grip due to conditions such as arthritis or cerebral palsy .
Walkers Walkers, also known as Zimmer frames, are made up of a metal framework with four legs that provide stability and support to the user. These very stable walking aids are used by 4.6 percent of adults in the U.S. over 65. Basic walkers have a 3-sided frame that surrounds the user. Users lift the frame and place it further in front of them, they then step forward to meet it, before repeating the process. Some walkers have wheels or glides on the base of the legs, which means the user can slide the walker rather than lift it. This is especially helpful for people with limited arm strength.
Types of walkers Rollators . This common style of walker consists of a frame with four wheels, handlebars, and seat so the user can rest as needed. Rollators also include hand breaks as a safety feature. Knee walkers . Similar to a rollator, this device allows the user to rest their knee on a padded cushion while propelling themselves forward with their stronger leg. Walker-cane hybrids . A cross between a cane and a walker, this mobility aid has two legs rather than a full frame. It can be used with one or both hands and provides greater support than a standard cane.
Wheel chairs Wheelchairs are used by people who should not put weight on their lower limbs or who are unable to walk. They can be more suitable than walkers for people with severe disabilities or when travel over greater distances is required. Wheelchairs can be manually propelled by the user, pushed by someone else, or electrically powered. A wheelchair that can be propelled by neural impulses was designed in 2016. Examples of specialized types of wheelchairs include standing wheelchairs, where users are supported in an almost upright position, and sports wheelchairs, which have been developed for use during specific sports.
Mobility scooters Similar to a wheelchair, these devices have a seat set on top of either 3, 4, or 5 wheels. The user’s feet rest on foot plates, and there are handlebars or steering wheels to control direction. They are typically battery powered. Mobility scooters are beneficial for those without the upper body strength or flexibility to use a manual wheelchair. Many scooter users report a positive impact on their lives due to their choice of mobility aid. Rules for the use of mobility scooters on sidewalks and roads vary by location. Training is usually available for people wanting to use a mobility scooter for the first time.
Safety modifications Several home or office modifications can be made to help navigate within a building or in other areas where there are changes in surface heights. These include: Ramps . Access ramps are especially important as some people, including those with wheelchairs and scooters, cannot manage stairs. People with walkers, canes, and crutches may also find that ramps provide easier access than steps. Stair lifts . These devices move people and wheelchairs up and down stairs, either through the floor or along the staircase. Hand rails . Special handrails are fitted in many restrooms and by entrances to provide support and stability to people with mobility issues.
Risks of mobility aids While mobility aids provide a number of benefits to users, there is a risk of injury associated with their use. For example, underarm crutches may lead to a condition called crutch paralysis, which is caused by excess pressure on the nerves in the armpit. Improper or excessive use of mobility aids may contribute to other injuries. Research indicates “ that many users are not properly trained in the use of their mobility aid”, with only one-third of users receiving their mobility aid from a medical professional, and only 20 percent receiving training. People using a new mobility aid should make an appointment with a doctor or physical therapist to learn how to properly use the device.
Question???? Mention the different groups of people that will benefit from mobility aids.
Control systems in wheel chairs An electric wheelchair control system is described as that offers an increased ease of operation to conventional wheelchair users and makes it possible for persons with severe pathologic hand movements to control wheelchairs in a safe and satisfactory manner. The control system is designed so that its characteristics are easily adjusted by the therapist to match the patient's control abilities. Chair acceleration, maximum speed and joystick-position averaging are adjusted by means of plug-in modules. There is only a disconnect relay that is activated when the joystick is grasped or addressed with a mouth stick. This relay functions as a ‘dead man control’ by applying dynamic braking when the joystick is released. The absence of other relays results in noise-free operation . Cruise control is included to permit the drive motors to develop full torque automatically when required, regardless of the joystick position. This control system can be applied to any existing wheelchair that uses two motors for steering/propulsion, provided two batteries are used to provide a +6, 0, −6 or +12, 0, −12V supply. The design focused on portability so that the control system does not interfere with folding the wheelchair.