Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan BCC(1), Yu JKP(1), Chan SKK(1), Wong SY(1), Tsoi KM(1), Ho AH(1), Chan MKL(1), PoonDF(1), Ma EWL(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Hospital Authority Community Rehabilitation Service Support Center (CRSSC)
Keyword 1: :
rehabilitation
Keyword 2: :
wheelchair training
Keyword 4: :
assistive technology
Introduction :
Current approaches on power wheelchair joystick operation often rely on subjective observation and therapist's experience, highlighting a potential for tools that provide objective, quantitative feedback to support intensive and progressive skill development. In this study, a novel Joystick Training and Assessment Kit (JTAK) is proposed to enable both intensive take-home practice and in-clinic, therapist-guided training for diverse patient cohorts. The system aslo serves as objective assessment tool, quantifying three critical aspects of joystick control performance: (1) reaction time, (2) movement smoothness, and (3) control stability.
Objectives :
The objective of this study is 1. to evaluate the effectiveness of the JTAK; 2. to measure the reaction time, movement smoothness, and control stability of joystick control; 3. to explore the application of data in clinical usage
Methodology :
2 subjects with various neurological disorders were recruited to participate a 7-session in-clinic training program. For each session, subjects were required to complete 10 trials of a Joystick Tapping Test, which is derived from ISO 9241-9:2000, on a 14 inches LCD screen using a Powered Wheelchair Controller before practicing with powered wheelchair. Meanwhile, the task performance metrics of the joystick control were recorded.
Result & Outcome :
Their Powered Wheelchair(PWC) driving performances were first accessed by registered occupational therapists based on Wheelchair Skill Test (WST) in the beginning and end of program, where both subject show an increase in total WST score (A: 8 to 12 and B: 6 to 11) throughout the program. From joystick control perspective, both subjects exhibited decreasing trend in reaction time, A from 1.04+-0.46(s) to 0.665 +- 0.16(s) with p< .001, and B from 3.08+-2.17(s) to 2.02+-0.44(s) with p< .05 respectively. Subject B also showed a significant improvement in smoothness and stability metric, with its Spectral Arc Length increases from -8.85+-2.78 to -6.42+-1.39, with p< .05 and Planar Deviation decreases from 31.16+-4.41 to 21.95+-3.73, with p< .001. The system successfully show the capability to objectively describe performance of patient in joystick control by integrating quantifiable assessment with flexible training modalities. It provides a novel platform for data-driven rehabilitation, enabling therapists to personalize therapy based on objective metrics.
