Editorial

4 pages, 206 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Assistive Technologies, Robotics, Automatic Machines: Perspectives of Integration in the Health Domain

by Daniele Giansanti

Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10061080 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1530

Assistive technologies, robotics, and automatic machines are becoming important elements of the human health domain [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

12 pages, 1570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Improvement and Satisfaction with a Wearable Hip Exoskeleton in Community-Living Adults

by Jihye Kim, Hyelim Chun, Su-Hyun Lee, Hwang-Jae Lee and Yun-Hee Kim

Healthcare 2023, 11(5), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11050643 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1553

Abstract

Demand for wearable devices and supportive technology is growing as these devices have the potential to enhance physical function and quality of life in users. The purpose of this study was to investigate usability and satisfaction after performing functional and gait exercise with [...] Read more.

Demand for wearable devices and supportive technology is growing as these devices have the potential to enhance physical function and quality of life in users. The purpose of this study was to investigate usability and satisfaction after performing functional and gait exercise with a wearable hip exoskeleton in community-living adults. A total of 225 adults residing in the local community participated in this study. All participants performed 40 min of exercise once with a wearable hip exoskeleton in various environments. The EX1, which functions as a wearable hip exoskeleton, was used. Physical function was assessed before and after exercise with the EX1. After completing exercise with the EX1, the usability and satisfaction questionnaires were evaluated. Gait speed, timed up and go test (TUG), and four square step test (FSST) showed statistically significant improvements after exercise with the EX1 in both groups (p < 0.05). In the 6 min walking test (6MWT), a significant increase was observed in the middle-aged group (p < 0.05). In the short physical performance battery (SPPB), there was a significant improvement in the old-aged group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, positive results in usability and satisfaction were noticed in both groups. These results demonstrate that a single session of exercise with the EX1 was effective in improving physical performance of both middle- and old-aged adults, with positive feedback from most of the participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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32 pages, 3582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential of the Remote Monitoring Digital Solutions to Sustain the Mental and Emotional Health of the Elderly during and Post COVID-19 Crisis in Romania

by Marilena Ianculescu, Adriana Alexandru and Elena-Anca Paraschiv

Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040608 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1466

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the elderly’s aging-related dysfunctionalities and vulnerabilities. Research surveys, aimed at evaluating the socio–physical–emotional state of the elderly and obtaining data on their access to medical services and information media services during the pandemic, were carried out on Romanian respondents [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the elderly’s aging-related dysfunctionalities and vulnerabilities. Research surveys, aimed at evaluating the socio–physical–emotional state of the elderly and obtaining data on their access to medical services and information media services during the pandemic, were carried out on Romanian respondents aged 65+. Identification and mitigation of the risk of emotional and mental long-term decline of the elderly after SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on the implementation of a specific procedure, can be performed through Remote Monitoring Digital Solutions (RMDSs). The aim of this paper is to propose a procedure for the identification and mitigation of the risk of emotional and mental long-term decline of the elderly after SARS-CoV-2 infection that comprises RMDS. The importance of using the knowledge obtained by COVID-19-related surveys corroborating the necessity of including personalized RMDS in the procedure is highlighted. The Non-invasive Monitoring System and Health Assessment of the Elderly in a Smart Environment (RO-SmartAgeing) is an RMDS designed to address the improved preventative and proactive support for diminishing this risk and to provide suitable assistance for the elderly through a safe and efficient smart environment. Its comprehensive functionalities targeted supporting primary healthcare assistance, specific medical conditions—as the mental and emotional disorders post-SARS-CoV-2 infection—and enlarged access to aging-related information, together with customizable features, illustrated the match with the requirements included in the proposed procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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11 pages, 555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Stroke Rehabilitation Using Gait Robot-Assisted Training and Person-Centered Goal Setting: A Single Blinded Pilot Study

by Yeongmi Ha and Mingyeong Park

Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040588 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1542

Abstract

Many stroke survivors have difficulties due to the mobility and activities required in daily living. A walking impairment negatively affects the independent lifestyle of stroke patients, requiring intensive post-stroke rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of stroke [...] Read more.

Many stroke survivors have difficulties due to the mobility and activities required in daily living. A walking impairment negatively affects the independent lifestyle of stroke patients, requiring intensive post-stroke rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of stroke rehabilitation using gait robot-assisted training and person-centered goal setting on mobility, the activities of daily living, stroke self-efficacy, and health-related QoL in stroke patients with hemiplegia. An assessor-blinded quasi-experimental study with a pre-posttest nonequivalent control group was used. Participants who were admitted to the hospital with a gait robot-assisted training system were assigned to the experimental group, and those without gait robots were assigned to the control group. Sixty stroke patients with hemiplegia from two hospitals specialized in post-stroke rehabilitation participated. Stroke rehabilitation using gait robot-assisted training and person-centered goal setting for stroke patients with hemiplegia was conducted for a total of six weeks. There were significant differences between the experimental group and control group in the Functional Ambulation Category (t = 2.89, p = 0.005), balance (t = 3.73, p < 0.001), Timed Up and Go (t = −2.27, p = 0.027), Korean Modified Barthel Index (t = 2.58, p = 0.012), 10 m Walking test (t = −2.27, p = 0.040), stroke self-efficacy (t = 2.23, p = 0.030), and health-related quality of life (t = 4.90, p < 0.001). A gait robot-assisted rehabilitation using goal setting for stroke patients with hemiplegia improved gait ability, balance ability, stroke self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life in stroke patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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16 pages, 3584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research of System Design and Automatic Detection Method for Excretion Nursing Equipment

by Bingshan Hu, Zhiwei Chen, Xinyu Chen, Sheng Lu, Yingbing Su and Hongliu Yu

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030388 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1577

Abstract

(1) Background: The nursing of the elderly has received more and more attention, especially the nursing of urination and defecation for the elderly. (2) Purpose: Design an excretion nursing equipment that can accurately identify and deal with urine and stool. (3) Methods: In [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The nursing of the elderly has received more and more attention, especially the nursing of urination and defecation for the elderly. (2) Purpose: Design an excretion nursing equipment that can accurately identify and deal with urine and stool. (3) Methods: In this paper, based on the analysis of the requirements of excretion nursing equipment, a split mechanical design method and a modular control method are used to design the equipment. The Dempster–Shafer (D-S) evidence theory is used in the identification of urine and stool. (4) Results: The excretion nursing equipment designed in this paper works well according to functional test, and the success rate of stool and urine identification method using D-S evidence theory is 20% higher than that of traditional methods, reaching 90%. (5) Conclusions: The urine and stool recognition and detection algorithm based on the D-S evidence theory used in this paper can improve the recognition accuracy of traditional detection methods, and the designed excretion nursing equipment can realize the function of excretion care for patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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15 pages, 877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting Continuance Intention in Non-Face-to-Face Telemedicine Services: Trust Typology and Privacy Concern Perspectives

by Lin Zhu, Xinshu Jiang and Junwei Cao

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030374 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2181

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, the resulting demand for telemedicine services increased. This research empirically examines the role of trust, privacy concerns, and perceived usefulness in customer confirmation, satisfaction, and continuing intention in telemedicine. A typology of trust was employed to classify trust [...] Read more.

As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, the resulting demand for telemedicine services increased. This research empirically examines the role of trust, privacy concerns, and perceived usefulness in customer confirmation, satisfaction, and continuing intention in telemedicine. A typology of trust was employed to classify trust into three dimensions and explore the mediating role of the three dimensions of trust in the relationship between satisfaction, perceived usefulness, and continued intention. We also examined the moderating role of personal privacy concerns in the relationship between trust and continued intention. For this study, we developed a structural equation model based on expectation confirmation theory and analyzed 465 questionnaires from Chinese online users. The expectancy confirmation theory (ECT) was reaffirmed by empirical evidence. The results showed that the relationship between perceived usefulness and satisfaction with continued intention is moderated by the three dimensions of trust. Privacy concerns can negatively moderate the relationship between structural assurance-based trust and continued intention. This study also identified potential threats to telehealth market growth alongside new insights. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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13 pages, 1863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Presence of Humanoid Social Robots at Home and Capturing Human-Robot Interactions with Older Adults: Experiences from Four Case Studies

by Angela Y. M. Leung, Ivy Y. Zhao, Shuanglan Lin and Terence K. Lau

Healthcare 2023, 11(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11010039 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3456

Abstract

Background: Social robots have the potential to bring benefits to aged care. However, it is uncertain whether placing these robots in older people’s home is acceptable and whether human-robot interactions would occur or not. Methods: Four case studies were conducted to understand the [...] Read more.

Background: Social robots have the potential to bring benefits to aged care. However, it is uncertain whether placing these robots in older people’s home is acceptable and whether human-robot interactions would occur or not. Methods: Four case studies were conducted to understand the experiences of older adults and family caregivers when humanoid social robot Ka Ka was placed in homes for two weeks. Results: Four older adults and three family caregivers were involved. Older adults interacted with the social robot Ka Ka every day during the study period. ‘Talking to Ka Ka’, ‘listening to music’, ‘using the calendar reminder’, and ‘listening to the weather report’ were the most commonly used features. Qualitative data reported the strengths of Ka Ka, such as providing emotional support to older adults living alone, diversifying their daily activities, and enhancing family relationships. The voice from Ka Ka (female, soft, and pleasing to the ear) was considered as ‘bringing a pleasant feeling’ to older adults. Conclusions: In order to support aging-in-place and fill the gaps of the intensified shortage of health and social manpower, it is of prime importance to develop reliable and age-friendly AI-based robotic services that meet the needs and preferences of older adults and caregivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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23 pages, 3603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Decision Support Framework for Segmentation and Classification of Brain Tumor MRIs Using a U-Net and DCNN Cascaded Learning Algorithm

by Nagwan Abdel Samee, Tahir Ahmad, Noha F. Mahmoud, Ghada Atteia, Hanaa A. Abdallah and Atif Rizwan

Healthcare 2022, 10(12), 2340; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10122340 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1722

Abstract

Brain tumors (BTs) are an uncommon but fatal kind of cancer. Therefore, the development of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems for classifying brain tumors in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the subject of many research papers so far. However, research in this sector [...] Read more.

Brain tumors (BTs) are an uncommon but fatal kind of cancer. Therefore, the development of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems for classifying brain tumors in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the subject of many research papers so far. However, research in this sector is still in its early stage. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop a lightweight effective implementation of the U-Net deep network for use in performing exact real-time segmentation. Moreover, a simplified deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) architecture for the BT classification is presented for automatic feature extraction and classification of the segmented regions of interest (ROIs). Five convolutional layers, rectified linear unit, normalization, and max-pooling layers make up the DCNN’s proposed simplified architecture. The introduced method was verified on multimodal brain tumor segmentation (BRATS 2015) datasets. Our experimental results on BRATS 2015 acquired Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) scores, sensitivity, and classification accuracy of 88.8%, 89.4%, and 88.6% for high-grade gliomas. When it comes to segmenting BRATS 2015 BT images, the performance of our proposed CAD framework is on par with existing state-of-the-art methods. However, the accuracy achieved in this study for the classification of BT images has improved upon the accuracy reported in prior studies. Image classification accuracy for BRATS 2015 BT has been improved from 88% to 88.6%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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24 pages, 12274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methodology for Selecting the Appropriate Electric Motor for Robotic Modular Systems for Lower Extremities

by Dimitrios Kavalieros, Evangelos Kapothanasis, Athanasios Kakarountas and Thanasis Loukopoulos

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10102054 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2452

Abstract

Torque calculation is essential for selecting the appropriate motor to achieve the required torque at each joint of a hybrid exoskeleton. In recent years, the combined use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and robotic devices, called hybrid robotic rehabilitation systems, has emerged as [...] Read more.

Torque calculation is essential for selecting the appropriate motor to achieve the required torque at each joint of a hybrid exoskeleton. In recent years, the combined use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and robotic devices, called hybrid robotic rehabilitation systems, has emerged as a promising approach for the rehabilitating of lower limb motor functions. Specifically, the implementation strategy of functional electrical stimulation walking aid combined with the design of the exoskeleton part is the main focus of our research team. This work copes with issues of the design process of a robotic exoskeleton. The importance of robotic exoskeletons for providing walking aid to people with mobility disorders or the elderly is discussed. Furthermore, the approaches to calculating the joint torques are investigated, and the mathematical models and parameters of interest are identified. This further includes the comparative data for servo motors: robotic exoskeleton characteristics and actuator analysis in the robotic exoskeleton. The aforementioned is used to propose a mathematical model based on previous models (Zatsiorsky BSP and Dempster BSP body segment parameters models, forward kinematics models), which was extended to include added adjustable parameters such as length, area, volume, mass, density, the centre of mass, human body characteristics, and considering both static and dynamic parameter extraction. Then, an analytic method is presented, exploiting the results from the mathematical model to select the appropriate motor for each joint of the lower extremities. The detailed description of the method is followed by examples, experimental measurements, and statistical analysis of qualitative and quantitative characteristics. The results showed deviations from typical calculation methods, offering a better understanding of the motor requirements for each joint of the exoskeleton and avoiding selections of marginal functionality features of the motors. In addition, researchers are offered a tool for replicating the results of this work, allowing them to configure the parameters associated with the servo motor features. The researcher can either use the embedded library developed for this work or enter new data into it, affecting the calculated torques of the model joints. The extracted results assist the researcher in choosing the appropriate motor among commercially available brushed and brushless motors based on the torques applied at each joint in robotic articulated systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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19 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Testing of Motor Coordination in Degenerative Neurological Diseases

by Maria Kalafati, Athanasios Kakarountas and Elisabeth Chroni

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10101948 - 05 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1311

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder caused by the death of dopamine-producing cells in the midbrain. PD is the most prevalent movement disorder of the central nervous system and affects more than 6.3 million people in the world. The changes in [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder caused by the death of dopamine-producing cells in the midbrain. PD is the most prevalent movement disorder of the central nervous system and affects more than 6.3 million people in the world. The changes in the motor functions of patients are not easy to be clearly and on-time observed by the clinicians and to make the most well-informed decisions for the treatment. The aim of this paper is the monitoring PD by designing, developing, and evaluating a prototype mobile App using a pressure pen, which collects quantitative and objective information about PD patients, thus allowing clinicians to understand better and make assumptions about the severity and the stage of Parkinson’s disease. This study presents a dynamic spiral test that can only be performed with tablet and pen pressure. Furthermore, the handwriting samples by PD patients and healthy controls individuals are collected by a computerized system, and the measurements of Spiral Deviation, Total Time, and Pen Pressure are processed. The results showed an accurate evaluation of the stage of Parkinson’s disease. Thus, the clinician may use the proposed PD telemonitoring system as a screening test, storing the history of all the patient’s measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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12 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Caregiver Views on Prospective Use of Robotic Care in Helping Children Adapt to Hospitalization

by Meiling Jin and Hanna Choi

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 1925; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10101925 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1275

Abstract

Children in hospitals endure a variety of stressful situations. Children feel friendly toward and have fun with robots. Care robots are considered to be an alternate technique to relieve stress after hospitalization. A mixed-methods study was conducted on caregivers to understand the ideal [...] Read more.

Children in hospitals endure a variety of stressful situations. Children feel friendly toward and have fun with robots. Care robots are considered to be an alternate technique to relieve stress after hospitalization. A mixed-methods study was conducted on caregivers to understand the ideal care robot. One hundred and fifty caregivers of pediatric patients participated in a quantitative online survey, and eleven participated in focus group interviews for qualitative analysis. Quantitative data underwent descriptive statistics. Content analysis was conducted for qualitative data. Regarding the overall awareness and necessity of a care robot, the caregivers thought it would help patients adapt to the hospital environment more quickly. The caregivers’ preferred character-shaped robots of child height. For sound, they preferred an animated character’s voice. For movement, they preferred the robot to roll on wheels. Regarding functions, medicine was the item for which they most wanted to use game elements. For the educational element, the caregivers wanted to teach children the reasons for and methods of medicine administration. Four themes were derived from the qualitative results. The findings are expected to contribute to the future development of care robots that can assist pediatric patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

8 pages, 1146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulating Facebook Advertisements to Establish Cost per New HIV Diagnosis Using Routine and Targeted Models in a Local Population

by John J. Hanna, Ank E. Nijhawan, Christoph U. Lehmann and Richard J. Medford

Healthcare 2022, 10(7), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071195 - 26 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3558

Abstract

Background: Undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a public health challenge. We explore Facebook (FB) advertisement (Ads) cost per new HIV diagnosis using non-targeted Ads, a routine testing model against targeted Ads, and a focused testing model in Texas. Methods: On 14 [...] Read more.

Background: Undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a public health challenge. We explore Facebook (FB) advertisement (Ads) cost per new HIV diagnosis using non-targeted Ads, a routine testing model against targeted Ads, and a focused testing model in Texas. Methods: On 14 October 2021, we created (without launching) Texas-based, USD 10 targeted (using criteria matching HIV populations at risk) and non-targeted FB Ads for 10 days. In the process of creating the Ads, we collected estimated audience size, daily reach, and daily clicks. We estimated Ad cost for each new HIV diagnosis for targeted and non-targeted Ads using new HIV diagnosis rates from focused and routine testing campaigns. Results: The Ad costs per new HIV diagnosis from the targeted model were 4.74, 2.86, 5.28, and 2.88 times lower for men, Black, Hispanic, and all age groups, respectively, when compared to the non-targeted model. The wider the gap was between new HIV diagnosis rates in a population for focused and routine testing, the more cost-effective targeted Ads became. Conclusions: Among HIV populations at risk, targeted FB Ads are more cost-effective for detecting new HIV infections than non-targeted Ads. This cost-effectiveness increases in locations where focused testing increases new HIV diagnosis rates, compared to routine testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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Review

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12 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessReview

Artificial Intelligence Systems Assisting in the Assessment of the Course and Retention of Orthodontic Treatment

by Martin Strunga, Renáta Urban, Jana Surovková and Andrej Thurzo

Healthcare 2023, 11(5), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11050683 - 25 Feb 2023

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4325

Abstract

This scoping review examines the contemporary applications of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software in orthodontics, focusing on its potential to improve daily working protocols, but also highlighting its limitations. The aim of the review was to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of current [...] Read more.

This scoping review examines the contemporary applications of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software in orthodontics, focusing on its potential to improve daily working protocols, but also highlighting its limitations. The aim of the review was to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of current AI-based systems compared to conventional methods in diagnosing, assessing the progress of patients’ treatment and follow-up stability. The researchers used various online databases and identified diagnostic software and dental monitoring software as the most studied software in contemporary orthodontics. The former can accurately identify anatomical landmarks used for cephalometric analysis, while the latter enables orthodontists to thoroughly monitor each patient, determine specific desired outcomes, track progress, and warn of potential changes in pre-existing pathology. However, there is limited evidence to assess the stability of treatment outcomes and relapse detection. The study concludes that AI is an effective tool for managing orthodontic treatment from diagnosis to retention, benefiting both patients and clinicians. Patients find the software easy to use and feel better cared for, while clinicians can make diagnoses more easily and assess compliance and damage to braces or aligners more quickly and frequently. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

16 pages, 1252 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Use of Sports Rehabilitation Robotics to Assist in the Recovery of Physical Abilities in Elderly Patients with Degenerative Diseases: A Literature Review

by Fangyuan Ju, Yujie Wang, Bin Xie, Yunxuan Mi, Mengyun Zhao and Junwei Cao

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030326 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2339

Abstract

The increase in the number of elderly patients with degenerative diseases has brought additional medical and financial pressures, which are adding to the burden on society. The development of sports rehabilitation robotics (SRR) is becoming increasingly sophisticated at the technical level of its [...] Read more.

The increase in the number of elderly patients with degenerative diseases has brought additional medical and financial pressures, which are adding to the burden on society. The development of sports rehabilitation robotics (SRR) is becoming increasingly sophisticated at the technical level of its application; however, few studies have analyzed how it works and how effective it is in aiding rehabilitation, and fewer individualized exercise rehabilitation programs have been developed for elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the working methods and the effects of different types of SRR and then to suggest the feasibility of applying SRR to enhance the physical abilities of elderly patients with degenerative diseases. The researcher’s team searched 633 English-language journal articles, which had been published over the past five years, and they selected 38 of them for a narrative literature review. Our summary found the following: (1) The current types of SRR are generally classified as end-effector robots, smart walkers, intelligent robotic rollators, and exoskeleton robots—exoskeleton robots were found to be the most widely used. (2) The current working methods include assistant tools as the main intermediaries—i.e., robots assist patients to participate; patients as the main intermediaries—i.e., patients dominate the assistant tools to participate; and sensors as the intermediaries—i.e., myoelectric-driven robots promote patient participation. (3) Better recovery was perceived for elderly patients when using SRR than is generally achieved through the traditional single-movement recovery methods, especially in strength, balance, endurance, and coordination. However, there was no significant improvement in their speed or agility after using SRR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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20 pages, 1425 KiB

Open AccessReview

Assistive Technologies and Quadriplegia: A Map Point on the Development and Spread of the Tongue Barbell Piercing

by Antonia Pirrera, Paola Meli, Alessandra De Dominicis, Alessandra Lepri and Daniele Giansanti

Healthcare 2023, 11(1), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11010101 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1742

Abstract

The barbell piercing can be used as an assistive device that allows people with severe disabilities, such as tetraplegia, to control their environments using the movement of the tongue. The human tongue can move rapidly and accurately, such that the tip can touch [...] Read more.

The barbell piercing can be used as an assistive device that allows people with severe disabilities, such as tetraplegia, to control their environments using the movement of the tongue. The human tongue can move rapidly and accurately, such that the tip can touch every tooth. Lingual control systems allow people with disabilities to take advantage of their residual skills for easier communication and to improve the control of mobility and the surrounding environment. The aim of this study was to conduct a narrative review of the development and dissemination of the assistive technologies based on tongue control by means of the barbell piercing. The design of the study was based on: (I) an overview of Pubmed complemented with other databases and Web searches (also institutional); (II) an organization according to a standardized checklist for narrative reviews; (III) an arrangement with four different perspectives: the trends in the scientific literature, technological evolution and categorization, dominant approaches, issues of incorporation into the health domain—such as acceptance, safety, and regulations. The results have highlighted: (1) that the volume of scientific productions, which started in this sector before the smartphone expansion, has not increased; (2) that it is possible to make a map point of the technological evolution and categorization; (3) that these assistive technologies have a high degree of acceptance and performance, especially when integrated with aid tools with mechatronics; (4) and the complexity of the regulatory framework in this area. The study, from a general point of view, highlighted the high potential of these systems and we suggest investing the energy into agreement tools for assistive technologies (AT)s, such as health technology assessment studies, comparative assessment analysis, or consensus conferences that could allow a better diffusion and use of ATs, including these systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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11 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Radiology in the Scientific Literature: A Narrative Review of Reviews

by Daniele Giansanti

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 1824; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10101824 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1963

Abstract

Today, there is growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of digital radiology (DR). This is also due to the push that has been applied in this sector due to the pandemic. Many studies are devoted to the challenges of integration [...] Read more.

Today, there is growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of digital radiology (DR). This is also due to the push that has been applied in this sector due to the pandemic. Many studies are devoted to the challenges of integration in the health domain. One of the most important challenges is that of regulations. This study conducted a narrative review of reviews on the international approach to the regulation of AI in DR. The design of the study was based on: (I) An overview on Scopus and Pubmed (II) A qualification and eligibility process based on a standardized checklist and a scoring system. The results have highlighted an international approach to the regulation of these systems classified as “software as medical devices (SaMD)” arranged into: ethical issues, international regulatory framework, and bottlenecks of the legal issues. Several recommendations emerge from the analysis. They are all based on fundamental pillars: (a) The need to overcome a differentiated approach between countries. (b) The need for greater transparency and publicity of information both for SaMDs as a whole and for the algorithms and test patterns. (c) The need for an interdisciplinary approach that avoids bias (including demographic) in algorithms and test data. (d) The need to reduce some limits/gaps of the scientific literature production that do not cover the international approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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14 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Injuries and Diseases of Upper Extremities

by Pinar Tokgöz, Susanne Stampa, Dirk Wähnert, Thomas Vordemvenne and Christoph Dockweiler

Healthcare 2022, 10(6), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10061124 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2934

Abstract

Upper-extremity injuries and diseases rarely have life-threatening consequences, but failure to manage them properly can result in severe dysfunction. This article presents the current state of using virtual reality to support the rehabilitation process of patients with injuries and diseases of the upper [...] Read more.

Upper-extremity injuries and diseases rarely have life-threatening consequences, but failure to manage them properly can result in severe dysfunction. This article presents the current state of using virtual reality to support the rehabilitation process of patients with injuries and diseases of the upper extremities and points out their effects on upper-extremity functions. A scoping review was conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the field of virtual reality for upper-extremity rehabilitation. PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched by two independent researchers between April and May 2021 to identify relevant publications and were examined according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. As a result of the literature review, 11 studies of various target groups were identified. Virtual-reality technologies were categorized into multisensory high-end systems and game-based systems. With respect to functional recovery, technologies based on virtual reality were not inferior to traditional rehabilitation. In addition, the users were highly motivated and satisfied. The results emphasize the need for stronger evidence-based virtual-reality technologies for rehabilitation of injuries and diseases of upper extremities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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Other

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3 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessComment

The Perspective of mHealth in the Self-Assessment of the Parkinson’s Disease. Comment on Kalafati et al. Testing of Motor Coordination in Degenerative Neurological Diseases. Healthcare 2022, 10, 1948

by Daniele Giansanti

Healthcare 2023, 11(6), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11060850 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 781

Abstract

Regarding the research article “Maria Kalafati, Athanasios Kakarountas and Elisabeth Chroni, Testing of Motor Coordination in Degenerative Neurological Diseases”, published in Healthcare [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain)

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