Eye‐controlled, power wheelchair performs well for ALS patients

Background Our pilot study tested the feasibility and performance of an eye‐controlled power wheelchair for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Methods In this prospective pilot study, participants drove the wheelchair three times around an indoor course. We assessed the time to complete t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Muscle & nerve 2019-11, Vol.60 (5), p.513-519
Main Authors: Elliott, Michael A., Malvar, Henrique, Maassel, Lindsey L., Campbell, Jon, Kulkarni, Harish, Spiridonova, Irina, Sophy, Noelle, Beavers, Jay, Paradiso, Ann, Needham, Chuck, Rifley, Jamie, Duffield, Maggie, Crawford, Jeremy, Wood, Becky, Cox, Emily J., Scanlan, James M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - rehabilitation
Clinical
Clinical s
Clinical trials
Equipment Design
Eye Movements
eye‐controlled
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
mobility
Patient Satisfaction
Pilot Projects
power wheelchair
Prospective Studies
quality of life
User experience
Wheelchairs
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Summary:Background Our pilot study tested the feasibility and performance of an eye‐controlled power wheelchair for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Methods In this prospective pilot study, participants drove the wheelchair three times around an indoor course. We assessed the time to complete the course; starting and stopping on command; turning 90, 135, and 180 degrees; time to backup; and obstacle negotiation. Following their use of the wheelchair, subjects were given a questionnaire to assess user experience. Results Twelve patients participated, and all were able to complete three trials without difficulty. Eight participants completed all of the individual tasks (eg, turning, stopping, etc.) without any errors. Overall performance ratings were high across all participants (4.6/5‐excellent). Conclusions Our eye‐controlled power wheelchair prototype is feasible and has a very favorable user experience. This system has the potential to improve the mobility and independence of ALS patients, and other groups with motor impairments. See editorial on pages 493–495 in this issue.
ISSN:0148-639X
1097-4598
1097-4598
DOI:10.1002/mus.26655