Browsing by Author "Cooper, Rory A."

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    Current State, Needs, and Opportunities for Wearable Robots in Military Medical Rehabilitation and Force Protection
    (MDPI, 2024) Cooper, Rory A.; Smolinski, George; Candiotti, Jorge L.; Satpute, Shantanu; Grindle, Garrett G.; Sparling, Tawnee L.; Nordstrom, Michelle J.; Yuan, Xiaoning; Symsack, Allison; Lee, Chang Dae; Vitiello, Nicola; Knezevic, Steven; Sugar, Thomas G.; Schneider, Urs; Kopp, Verena; Holl, Mirjam; Gaunaurd, Ignacio; Gailey, Robert; Bonato, Paolo; Poropatich, Ron; Adet, David J.; Clemente, Francesco; Abbas, James; Pasquina, Paul F.; Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences
    Despite advances in wearable robots across various fields, there is no consensus definition or design framework for the application of this technology in rehabilitation or musculoskeletal (MSK) injury prevention. This paper aims to define wearable robots and explore their applications and challenges for military rehabilitation and force protection for MSK injury prevention. We conducted a modified Delphi method, including a steering group and 14 panelists with 10+ years of expertise in wearable robots. Panelists presented current wearable robots currently in use or in development for rehabilitation or assistance use in the military workforce and healthcare. The steering group and panelists met to obtain a consensus on the wearable robot definition applicable for rehabilitation or primary injury prevention. Panelists unanimously agreed that wearable robots can be grouped into three main applications, as follows: (1) primary and secondary MSK injury prevention, (2) enhancement of military activities and tasks, and (3) rehabilitation and reintegration. Each application was presented within the context of its target population and state-of-the-art technology currently in use or under development. Capturing expert opinions, this study defines wearable robots for military rehabilitation and MSK injury prevention, identifies health outcomes and assessment tools, and outlines design requirements for future advancements.
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    Discovering Provider Awareness of Mobility Assistive Technologies and Clinical Guidelines- A Comparative Analysis with Consumer Responses
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2024) Lee, Chang Dae; Peterson, Sara; Joseph, James; McKernan, Gina; Cooper, Rosemarie; Koontz, Alicia M.; Dicianno, Brad E.; Cooper, Rory A.; Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences
    Objective: This study aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of mobility-assistive technology by investigating and bridging knowledge gaps between mobility-assistive technology providers and consumers with ambulatory limitations. Design: A survey was conducted among mobility-assistive technology providers in the United States, consisting of sections on awareness, knowledge importance and desire, and knowledge sources. The responses were compared to data collected from consumers in a previous study. Results: A total of 144 mobility-assistive technology providers participated, with 60% having received academic or professional training in relevant fields. Analysis revealed significant knowledge gaps between providers and consumers, particularly in assistive technology assessment tools and knowledge sources. Moderate gaps were also observed in areas such as clinical practice guidelines, desired mobility-assistive technology information, and knowledge sources. However, the gaps in other areas were relatively small. Conclusions: This study highlights the knowledge gaps between mobility-assistive technology providers and consumers, hindering the optimal utilization and fulfillment of user needs. Providers possess valuable information that consumers may lack, positioning them as primary knowledge sources. Addressing these gaps through targeted interventions, improved communication channels, and enhanced education can enhance the utilization of mobility-assistive technology and improve outcomes for individuals with ambulatory limitations.
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    Usability and Vibration Analysis of a Low-Profile Automatic Powered Wheelchair to Motor Vehicle Docking System
    (MDPI, 2023) Lee, Chang Dae; Daveler, Brandon J.; Candiotti, Jorge L.; Cooper, Rosemarie; Sivakanthan, Sivashankar; Deepak, Nikitha; Grindle, Garrett G.; Cooper, Rory A.
    The QLX is a low-profile automatic powered wheelchair docking system (WDS) prototype developed to improve the securement and discomfort of wheelchair users when riding in vehicles. The study evaluates the whole-body vibration effects between the proposed QLX and another WDS (4-point tiedown system) following ISO 2631-1 standards and a systematic usability evaluation. Whole-body vibration analysis was evaluated in wheelchairs using both WDS to dock in a vehicle while riding on real-world surfaces. Also, participants rated the usability of each WDS while driving a wheelchair and while riding in a vehicle in driving tasks. Both WDSs showed similar vibration results within the vibration health-risk margins; but shock values below health-risk margins. Fifteen powered wheelchair users reported low task load demand to operate both WDS; but better performance to dock in vehicles with the QLX (p = 0.03). Also, the QLX showed better usability (p < 0.01), less discomfort (p’s < 0.05), and greater security compared to the 4-point tiedown while riding in a vehicle (p’s < 0.05). Study findings indicate that both WDS maintain low shock exposure for wheelchair users while riding vehicles, but a better performance overall to operate the QLX compared to the 4-point tiedown system; hence enhancing user’s autonomy to dock in vehicles independently.