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Advancements in power wheelchair joystick technology: Effects of isometric joysticks and signal conditioning on driving performance

Dicianno, BE and Spaeth, DM and Cooper, RA and Fitzgerald, SG and Boninger, ML (2006) Advancements in power wheelchair joystick technology: Effects of isometric joysticks and signal conditioning on driving performance. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85 (8). 631 - 639. ISSN 0894-9115

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: An estimated 125,000 Americans with movement disorders that preclude independent mobility in a power wheelchair could benefit from improved control devices. We developed variable gain algorithm (VGA) software for our isometric joystick (IJ) that allows it to emulate a commercially available motion-sensing joystick (MSJ) in performance but retain the unique customizable features of an isometric control. Force sensing algorithm (FSA) software allowed the IJ to function as a simple isometric device. DESIGN: Using a Fitts' Law paradigm, we compared driving performance with floor targets using a standard MSJ and an IJ with both FSA and VGA software in 11 electric power wheelchair users with a variety of impairments. Outcome measures were reaction time (RT), movement time (MT), and driving accuracy (DA). RESULTS: The IJ with FSA had a significantly shorter RT than the MSJ (P < 0.0020). The IJ with FSA had a significantly longer MT than the MSJ to far targets (P < 0.0159). No differences were found between the IJ with VGA and the MSJ with respect to RT or MT. No differences in DA were found among any of the joysticks. CONCLUSIONS: VGA software allowed the IJ to function similarly to the MSJ with respect to RT, MT, and DA. Copyright © 2006 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.


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Details

Item Type: Article
Status: Published
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Dicianno, BEdicianno@pitt.eduDICIANNO0000-0003-0738-0192
Spaeth, DM
Cooper, RARCOOPER@pitt.eduRCOOPER
Fitzgerald, SG
Boninger, MLboninger@pitt.eduBONINGER
Centers: Other Centers, Institutes, Offices, or Units > Human Engineering Research Laboratories
Date: 1 August 2006
Date Type: Publication
Journal or Publication Title: American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume: 85
Number: 8
Page Range: 631 - 639
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1097/01.phm.0000228519.54763.b4
Schools and Programs: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences > Rehabilitation Science and Technology
Refereed: Yes
ISSN: 0894-9115
MeSH Headings: Adult; Disabled Persons--rehabilitation; Electric Power Supplies; Equipment Design; Female; Human Engineering; Humans; Isometric Contraction; Male; Software; Wheelchairs
PubMed ID: 16865017
Date Deposited: 04 Oct 2012 14:01
Last Modified: 05 Feb 2019 00:55
URI: http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/id/eprint/14824

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