Authors: (including presenting author): :
Ng CK (1), Yu KP (1), Tsoi KM (1), Chan KL (1), Wong SM (1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Community Rehabilitation Service Support Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Paraplegic patient
Keyword 3: :
Standing performance
Keyword 4: :
Home standing
Introduction: :
Spinal cord injury (SCI) patient faces a high risk of various complications, including secondary conditions like spasticity, pain, and urinary tract infections, as well as potential mental health challenges like depression. Additionally, they are at increased risk of developing pressure sores, blood clots, and
respiratory issues (1,2).
Standing interventions can help reduce such complications associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). These interventions promote weight-bearing, which is crucial for maintaining bone density, joint mobility, and preventing muscle deterioration. Additionally, standing can improve cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and overall well-being (3).
Objectives: :
The Community Rehabilitation Service Support Centre (CRSSC) has introduced the innovative power mobility robot with standing function – The Bangbang Robot (BBR) into service since 2020. Inspiring outcomes on disabled patients are obtained. A home standing program on using this smart device is being launched by CRSSC to extend the rehabilitation and application process from hospital to home and community.
However, quantifying dose of standing and establishing subject compliance with a standing protocol is difficult (3). This case report describes a method to monitor dose of standing outside the clinical area, describes the standing patterns of three subjects, and describes their compliance with the standing protocol at home.
Methodology: :
Three cases with paraplegia due to SCI were prescribed to adopt using the BBR for perform regular standing activities at home after training. A 10-week loan program of the BBR has been offered to them after completing the initial training sessions in CRSSC. A custom-designed logging device was developed and installed on the BBR to detect the user’s standing activities profiles including the recorded date, duration, angle of standing, and start/stop times. Home visit consultation was arranged at the end of the 10th week to evaluate the standing progress and achievement.
Result & Outcome: :
The home standing performance and compliance of SCI cases with paraplegic condition on using the BBR was successfully recorded through the custom-designed electronic logging device installed on the BBR unit during the 10-week equipment loan program period. Objective data regarding subject’s overall standing activities profiles at home are recorded and connected automatically to cloud platform for storage and access by case therapists in clinic at any time. The System Usability Scale achieved was ranging from 80 to 87.5 among the subjects. The main contribution of this study is the development of a standing tracking system integrated with the assistive standing mobility robot and the establishment of a connection between the system and cloud spreadsheet. Therapists can access the home standing performance profiles through internet and obtain objective data for analysis at hospital. Appropriate rehabilitation recommendation can be prescribed accordingly.
