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Biomedical subjects

J Angelo

Publications and source records attributed to J Angelo.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

A survey of persons who use integrated control devices.

Integrated devices allow users to operate multiple pieces of assistive technology items from a single input device. Through this single input device, users with severe physical limitations are able to operate several other devices such as a wheelchair, telephone, computer, and communication aid. Twenty-four integrated control users completed a telephone survey to ascertain consumer satisfaction with integrated controls. Eighteen were either satisfied or very satisfied with the evaluation for an integrated control, one was neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, two were very dissatisfied, and three did not respond to the question. Twenty were very satisfied or satisfied and four were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the training they received. Twenty-two respondents indicated they were either very satisfied or satisfied with their integrated control device, one was neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and one was very dissatisfied. In general, respondents were satisfied with their integrated control devices. Specifically, respondents were satisfied with the increase in independence and the ability to control other equipment such as television sets and computers. Simplicity, touch sensitivity, and visual/auditory feedback appeared to play important roles in satisfaction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Comparison of anterior trunk supports for children with cerebral palsy.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate outcome measures of one seating component--anterior trunk supports--when used by children with cerebral palsy during a functional activity. The functional activity was pressing a single switch to activate a computer software program. Seventeen children with a mean age of 9 years were included in the study. Subjects had mild to moderate spastic or athetoid cerebral palsy. Seven had a primary diagnosis of athetoid and 10 had a primary diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy. All subjects needed supplemental seating to maintain an upright posture. The four trunk supports tested were an anterior chest panel, a 1-inch-wide single horizontal chest strap, an anterior shoulder support, and a tray with molded chest support. Data included prehits, response time, and the length of time the subject pressed the switch. A repeated analysis of variance test was used to analyze the data. Data for athetoid and spastic cerebral palsy subject groups were analyzed separately. No statistically significant differences were found between the four trunk supports. Therefore, the choice of trunk supports for this population should be based on client preferences, ease of removal for the caregiver, cost, and aesthetics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Technology competencies for occupational therapy practitioners.

A task force has created a recommended set of technology competencies for occupational therapy practitioners at three levels of practice: entry/basic, intermediate, and advanced. The competencies relate to assistive technology (AT) evaluation, intervention, and resource coordination and reflect minimum knowledge and skills for registered occupational therapists (O.T.R.'s) and certified occupational therapy assistants (C.O.T.A.'s). The competencies were reviewed by members of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the COTA network and RESNA, and were coordinated with RESNA's ongoing AT quality assurance and certification efforts. They represent a base for the component of outcome management related to ensuring the quality and competency of AT service deliverers.

Certification↗
PubMed1996

A force feedback joystick and control algorithm for wheelchair obstacle avoidance.

Many powered wheelchair users have difficulty manoeuvring in confined spaces. Common tasks such as traversing through doorways, turning around in halls or travelling on a straight path are complicated by an inability to accurately and reliably control the wheelchair with a joystick or other common input device, or by a sensory impairment that prevents the user from receiving feedback from the environment. An active joystick with force feedback to indicate obstacles in the environment has been developed. Two force feedback schemes designed to assist a powered wheelchair user have been developed and implemented using the active joystick. The development of the joystick and associated control algorithms are described.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1995

Consumer participation in identifying research and development priorities for power wheelchair input devices and controllers.

A focus group comprised of persons who use power wheelchairs and professionals working in the field were asked to participate in a brainstorming session to determine priorities for the development and application of power mobility input devices and control concepts. The group consensus was that durability and reliability are the most important criteria. Essentially, the expectation is that a power wheelchair must work everyday in the way a person needs it and wants it. At the same time, there is a desire to enhance and advance the features of input devices and control systems. Many would say these changes constitute designing "smarter" power wheelchairs, such as systems that can independently detect obstacles and can provide users with more feedback. This paper presents the rationale behind forming this focus group and details of the results of a brainstorming session where ideas were generated and prioritized. The five most important issues as determined by the group are discussed in depth.

Community Participation↗
PubMed1993

Using single-subject design in clinical decision making: the effects of tilt-in-space on head control for a child with cerebral palsy.

Single-subject design methodology is a research technique useful in demonstrating the effects of treatment. The technique is described here using the effects of tilt-in-space on the ability to maintain head control. The subject is a 9-year-old child with cerebral palsy. The tilt-in-space angles used are 0 degrees , 15 degrees , and 30 degrees . Data are collected for the three different tilt angles in 10 sessions using an alternating rapid treatment design. Visual analysis of the results indicate that the subject displays greater head control when the wheelchair is placed at 15 degrees or 30 degrees tilt rather than at 0 degrees . This study shows how clinicians can complete single-subject studies to support recommendations for their clients and document the effects of their treatments.

Cerebral Palsy↗
PubMed1993

An analysis of computer-related articles in occupational therapy periodicals.

The introduction of personal computers in the late 1970s and early 1980s has affected occupational therapy. Nine journals, three trade newspapers, and one series book published over an 11-year period by four English-speaking countries were catalogued for articles pertaining to computer use in occupational therapy. This investigation yielded 174 articles that were categorized by information type, application of computers covered, sophistication of technology, computer brand, and country of publication. Most articles provided general information, described clinical training applications, used an Apple computer, and were from an American publication. Few articles were reports of research. The percentage of computer-related articles has substantially increased in the observed 11-year period. These findings indicate increased computer use in occupational therapy.

Database Management Systems↗
PubMed1992

Comparison of three computer scanning modes as an interface method for persons with cerebral palsy.

Occupational therapists are becoming increasingly involved with interface assessments. This involvement is improving the ability of persons with physical disabilities to interact with computers, augmentative communication aids, and other devices. The ability to use these devices facilitates participation in activities that would otherwise be much more difficult to pursue, such as communication, education, work, and recreation. The purpose of the present study was to systematically compare three basic modes of scanning--automatic, inverse, and step--with the use of a single-subject experimental design. Six subjects--3 with spastic and 3 with athetoid cerebral palsy--from a local school volunteered for the study. Results indicated that the 3 subjects with spastic cerebral palsy had the greatest difficulty using the automatic scanning mode. The 3 subjects with athetoid cerebral palsy had the most difficulty using the step scanning mode. The results of this study suggest that clients should attempt each scanning mode and that their performance with each mode be compared to ensure the most appropriate recommendations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Peripheral neuropathy in cold agglutinin disease.

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) characteristically presents as anemia and cold-induced rash. We report a man with purpura, anemia, cold agglutinins, and a sensory-autonomic polyneuropathy. Treatment with corticosteroids and plasma exchange resulted in resolution of the anemia and polyneuropathy. We propose that CAD may be associated with a reversible sensory-autonomic neuropathy in the absence of cryoglobulinemia. Although unsupported by pathologic findings, pathogenetic hypotheses for the neuropathy in CAD are similar to those proposed for cryoglobulinemic neuropathy.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune↗
PubMed1991

Comparing three head-pointing systems using a single subject design.

The keyboard is the most commonly used input method for interfacing with computers. When using a keyboard is not possible, alternative computer input methods are needed. Three methods using head control are: Head Master by Prentke Romich, Free Wheel by Pointer Systems, and LROP by Words+. The purpose of this study was to compare these three methods for speed and accuracy using a single subject design for nine individuals with disabilities. Visual inspection of the data revealed that subjects obtained higher scores when using Head Master and LROP than Free Wheel. As a follow-up test, an analysis of variance test for repeated measures showed no difference between using Head Master and LROP but did show a significant difference between Head Master and Free Wheel, and LROP and Free Wheel.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Multiple meningiomas of the cervical spinal cord associated with Klippel-Feil malformation and atlantooccipital assimilation.

A case of multiple meningiomas confined solely to the cervical spinal canal in association with multiple bony abnormalities of the cervical spine is presented. The relationship of this entity to neurofibromatosis, whether the central type or a form fruste, is explored. It is suggested that multiple meningiomas unassociated with other central or peripheral tumors may present a distinct clinical entity and may occur in an as yet uncharacterized familial pattern.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Syringobulbia-myelia with obstructive sleep apnea.

Central nervous system disorders may cause obstructive sleep apnea, but this sleep-related breathing disorder is rarely associated with a structural abnormality of the medulla. We present a patient with obstructive apnea resulting from autopsy-proven syringobulbia-myelia.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Factors affecting the use of a single switch with assistive technology devices.

Identifying consumers' motor ability for consistent and reliable control can be a difficult yet essential part of a single switch assessment. Current literature does not identify the essential components of a single switch evaluation. Therefore, the following focus group study was conducted. Six occupational therapists with experience in assistive technology service delivery participated in a focus group meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to identify essential components of a single switch evaluation in the single switch assistive technology assessment. Eleven items were identified as essential to the single switch assessment. They are: reliability of motor movements, volitional nature of movement, safety, movements that are easily performed, endurance, activities and positions the client assumes throughout the day and evening, efficiency of movement, previous successful movements, ability to perform timed response, ability to activate the access device within a given time frame, and time between switch closures. The significance of this study is that essential components of a single switch evaluation were identified. Using this detailed information should lead to optimal switch placement and switch use.

Persons with Disabilities↗