Preliminary evaluation of variable compliance joystick for people with multiple sclerosis

Upper-limb fatigue is a common problem that may restrict people with multiple sclerosis (MS) from using their electric powered wheelchair effectively and for a long period of time. The objective of this research is to evaluate whether participants with MS can drive better using a variable compliance...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of rehabilitation research and development 2014-01, Vol.51 (6), p.951-962
Main Authors: Mahajan, Harshal P, Spaeth, Donald M, Dicianno, Brad E, Brown, Karl, Cooper, Rory A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Algorithms
Equipment Design
Ergonomics - methods
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis - physiopathology
Multiple Sclerosis - rehabilitation
People with disabilities
Psychomotor Performance - physiology
Software
Studies
Task Performance and Analysis
User-Computer Interface
Wheelchairs
Young Adult
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Summary:Upper-limb fatigue is a common problem that may restrict people with multiple sclerosis (MS) from using their electric powered wheelchair effectively and for a long period of time. The objective of this research is to evaluate whether participants with MS can drive better using a variable compliance joystick (VCJ) and customizable algorithms than with a conventional wheelchair joystick. Eleven participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The groups used either the VCJ in compliant or noncompliant isometric mode and a standard algorithm, personally fitted algorithm, or personally fitted algorithm with fatigue adaptation running in the background in order to complete virtual wheelchair driving tasks. Participants with MS showed better driving performance metrics while using the customized algorithms than while using the standard algorithm with the VCJ. Fatigue adaptation algorithms are especially beneficial in improving overall task performance while using the VCJ in isometric mode. The VCJ, along with the personally fitted algorithms and fatigue adaptation algorithms, has the potential to be an effective input interface for wheelchairs.
ISSN:0748-7711
1938-1352
DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2013.01.0023