BACKGROUND Providing wheelchairs without comprehensive support services might be detrimental to user satisfaction and function. OBJECTIVES This paper compares wheelchair user satisfaction and function before and after implementation of comprehensive wheelchair services, based on the World Health Organization guidelines on wheelchair service provision in less resourced settings, in Zimbabwe. ...

The user interface of existing autonomous wheelchairs concentrates on direct control of the wheelchair by the user using mechanical devices or various hand, head or face gestures. However, it is important to monitor the user to ensure safety and comfort of the user, who operates the autonomous wheelchair. In addition, such monitoring of a user greatly improves usablity of an autonomous wheelcha...

Many people in wheelchairs are unable to control a powered wheelchair with the standard joystick interface. A robotic wheelchair can provide users with driving assistance, taking over low-level navigation to allow its user to travel efficiently and with greater ease. Our robotic wheelchair system, Wheelesley, consists of a standard powered wheelchair with an on-board computer, sensors and a gra...

The electric wheelchair is an effective machine for people with lower limb disability. The user controls the wheelchair by a joystick that helps the user to navigate the wheelchair along the desired path. Suppose the user on the wheelchair wants to operate the computer for his jobs or enjoyment, it is preferable for the user to be able to operate the computer without transferring from the wheel...

BACKGROUND Within a rights-based paradigm, wheelchairs are essential in the promotion of user autonomy, dignity, freedom, inclusion and participation. OBJECTIVES This paper aimed to describe a group of Zimbabwean wheelchair users' satisfaction with wheelchairs, wheelchair services and wheelchair function. METHOD A mixed method, descriptive study was done. Quantitative data was collected fro...

Wheelchair users experience many situations that affect the stability and associated performance of their wheelchair. Stability is affected by user characteristics and abilities, environmental features and conditions, and wheelchair modification and accessories. Wheelchair prescribers need effective tools and methods to provide quantitative evaluation and prediction of the behavior of the user-...

This paper describes a semi-autonomous wheelchair enabled with “HelpStar” that provides a user who is visually impaired with mobility independence. Our “HelpStar” enabled semi-autonomous wheelchair functions more like a personal assistant, allowing much greater user independence. When the user finds themself in an unforeseen circumstance, the “HelpStar” feature can be activated to allow a remot...

the repetitious nature of propelling a wheelchair has been associated with the high incidence of injury among manual wheelchair users (mwus), mainly in the shoulder, elbow and wrist. recent literature has found a link between handrim biomechanics and risk of injury to the upper extremity. the valid measurement of three‑dimensional net joint forces and torques, however, can lead to a better unde...

In this paper, an emotional BCI control system to drive a smart wheelchair is proposed. The proposed BCI control system permits to the user to select one of four commands to drive the wheelchair. Once a command is selected, the control system executes the selected command and, at the same time, monitors the emotional state of the user. While the user is satisfied, the selected command is still ...

This paper presents the architecture and implementation of a tele-presence wheelchair system based on tele-presence robot, intelligent wheelchair, and touch screen technologies. The tele-presence wheelchair system consists of a commercial electric wheelchair, an add-on tele-presence interaction module, and a touchable live video image based user interface (called TIUI). The tele-presence intera...