anglicky Objectives: This thesis aims to investigate whether we can predict the general and sport- specific quality of life of athletes with physical disabilities based on selected positive psychological constructs (resilience, hardiness and grit). Method: Forty players of para ice-hockey and wheelchair rugby (of which only two were women) underwent this study. The data were obtained by a questionnaire, compiled by Professor Martin from Wayne State University, which contains six parts: general information, life satisfaction, grit, resilience, sports engagement and hardiness. The "translation and reverse translation" method was used to translate the questionnaire. We used the statistical program IBM SPSS 2200 to analyze the obtained data. Results: Life satisfaction can be best predicted on the basis of hardiness (R = 0.686), but also resilience (R = 0.496) and grit (R = 0.340). We can predict sports engagement only based on resilience (R = 0.374). We recommend searching for other possible positive constructs that could better predict sports engagement. Key words: quality of life, sport engagement, life satisfaction, resilience, hardiness, grit, para ice hockey, wheelchair rugby

Name: Effectivness of Basic Life Support in Children Provided by Wheelchair Users Objectives: The aim of this diploma thesis is to evaluate the effectiveness of elementary emergency resuscitation children under 1yr of age with three selected positions of resuscitation manikin in persons using a wheelchair for their movement. Based on the comparison of the results when positioning the manikin on a lap, on a mat and on the ground, aim is to evaluate the most suitable position for performing elementary emergency resuscitation. Method: The research group consisted of ten people with spinal cord injury (four with tetraplegia and six with paraplegia), who use wheelchair for their movement. Three methods of data collection were used in this work. A survey was used for the first method, which obtained anamnestic data of the research group. The second method of data collection was the observation of probands during first aid. The third selected method was a measurement using a SimPad SkillReporter and a Resusci Baby QCPR resuscitation manikin. The measurement was used to evaluate the effectiveness of elementary emergency resuscitation of children for five minutes in three selected positions. Results: Based on observations and measurements, it was found that all probands are able to lift and manipulate a...

Transportation-network companies such as Uber and Lyft have permeated cities around the world. While they have been lauded for introducing a new mobility option, questions of equity have been raised, including in relation to people with disabilities. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Uber and Lyft for lack of disabled accessibility of transportation service they facilitate, with some of the lawsuit focusing on wheelchair accessibility. These have been reported in the media while work on the topic is lacking in the academic literature. This doctoral research explores wheelchair accessibility in transportation hailed through Uber and Lyft in the U.S., with a partial focus on the phenomenon in Washington, DC. The study sought to gain insight into wheelchair-accessibility matters with respect to four main stakeholders - riders, companies, drivers, and regulators and other government agencies. The purpose was a) to deepen understanding on the topic based on a holistic approach to core issues and produce evidence-based knowledge and b) to provide policy recommendations where needed. A mixed-methods approach was used to investigate the research problem. The quantitative strand surveyed 341 wheelchair users in the U.S., while the qualitative strand consisted of three sets of 16 qualitative interviews with drivers on the Uber and Lyft apps, Uber and Lyft company representatives, and representatives of relevant government agencies in Washington, DC. The study finds the following: 1) The service might be filling a transportation gap for some wheelchair users even though it is a two-tiered system that disadvantages motorized-wheelchair users. 2) The challenges surrounding wheelchair accessibility are perceived differently by the stakeholders and as a result there are differing views of how to solve them. 3) Overcoming inaccessibility challenge needs to involve changes on both Uber and Lyft and government agencies. Uber and Lyft and government agencies will find this study of interest to help them appreciate other stakeholders' perspective and use the findings to support policy decisions. / Doctor of Philosophy / Transportation-network companies connect drivers who are interested in providing a ride to riders who are looking for transportation through smartphone apps. Uber and Lyft are the most common of these companies. Both companies operate in many cities around the world. They are praised for creating a transportation alternative, but there is a concern that they may not serve everyone equally. For example, people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users have complained that they are not receiving the same service as those who do not use wheelchair. In the US, there are numerous lawsuits have been filed against Uber and Lyft for lack of disabled accessibility. Some of the lawsuit focus on wheelchair accessibility. These issues are reported in the media mostly. This doctoral research looks at wheelchair accessibility in transportation hailed through Uber and Lyft in the U.S., with a partial focus on the phenomenon in Washington, DC. The study sought to gain insight into wheelchair-accessibility matters with respect to four main stakeholders - riders, companies, drivers, and regulators and other government agencies. The purpose was a) to deepen understanding on the topic based on a holistic approach to core issues and produce evidence-based knowledge and b) to provide policy recommendations where needed. A survey and a set of interviews were used to investigate the research problem. The study finds the following: 1) The service might be filling a transportation gap for some wheelchair users even though it is a two-tiered system that disadvantages motorized-wheelchair users. 2) The challenges surrounding wheelchair accessibility are perceived differently by the stakeholders and as a result there are differing views of how to solve them. 3) Overcoming inaccessibility challenge needs to involve changes on both Uber and Lyft and government agencies. Uber and Lyft and government agencies will find this study of interest to help them appreciate other stakeholders' perspective and use the findings to support policy decisions.

Cotutelle entre l'Université de Montréal et l'Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 / Le fauteuil roulant manuel (FRM) est nécessaire à la participation de ses usagers lors de la vie active. Cependant, le geste répétitif de propulsion est contraignant pour l’épaule, ce qui mène à l’apparition de lésions au niveau des tendons de la coiffe des rotateurs, impactant négativement la mobilité, l’autonomie et la qualité de vie de l’usager. Bien que plusieurs études aient essayé de caractériser la propulsion pour identifier des prédicteurs de douleurs, la complexité technique de la propulsion associée à celle anatomique de l’épaule entravent la compréhension des pathomécanismes associés à l’usage du FRM. Aussi, la variabilité des contextes de propulsion en milieu urbain (trottoirs, pentes, etc.) nécessite d’identifier les adaptations de l’usager pour mieux représenter son quotidien. L’objectif principal de cette thèse était d’approfondir notre compréhension des pathomécanismes de l’épaule associés à la propulsion en FRM. À cet égard, il était important de comprendre l’effet de la charge imposée par le FRM sur l’épaule à différentes échelles allant de la cinématique à la contrainte au sein des tissus mous, en passant par les forces articulaires. Nos objectifs spécifiques étaient de (1) Identifier les adaptations de la technique de propulsion à la présence d’un dévers, habileté représentative de la propulsion le long des trottoirs ; (2) Prédire des forces musculaires physiologiquement plausibles qui expriment le rôle des muscles dans la stabilité articulaire ; (3) Prédire le champ de déformations au niveau de la coiffe des rotateurs en utilisant un simulateur hybride de l’épaule, c’est-à-dire un modèle éléments-finis piloté par les excitations musculaires et la cinématique articulaire prédite par un modèle multi-corps rigides. (1) À partir des données cinématiques, cinétiques et électromyographiques de neuf utilisateurs de FRM, nous avons analysé l’adaptation de leurs techniques de propulsion sur un dévers. Si tous les participants ont réussi à se propulser, leurs techniques d’adaptation variaient en termes d’efficacité et de risque de blessures. Ce qui souligne l’importance de l’enseignement des habiletés en FRM. (2) Nous avons adapté une boite à outils de calibration de modèle neuro-musculo-squelettique pour exprimer les contraintes de stabilité gléno-humérale. Le modèle calibré a été ensuite implémenté pour prédire les forces musculaires et de réaction gléno-humérale. Cette approche nous a permis d’exprimer le rôle de la co-contraction musculaire dans la stabilité articulaire. Les forces de réaction prédites indiquaient que la propulsion est une tâche déstabilisante pour l’articulation gléno-humérale. Enfin, la comparaison des modèles calibrés de participants avec des capacités fonctionnelles variées a mis en en évidence les limites de la calibration numérique. (3) Un modèle éléments-finis de l’épaule avec muscles tridimensionnels a été développé pour simuler un cycle de propulsion. Les muscles ont été activés à partir des données électromyographiques expérimentales. La scapula et l’humérus ont été pilotés par la cinématique articulaire extraite d’un modèle multi-corps rigides. L’analyse des déformations de l’unité musculo-tendineuse du supra-épineux nous a permis de proposer des explications potentielles pour la prévalence des déchirures tendineuses chez les utilisateurs de FRM, particulièrement au niveau de la zone antérieure et interstitielle de ce tendon. Notre analyse semble rejoindre la littérature, soulignant que la répétitivité de la propulsion pourrait être plus contraignante que sa charge. Cette thèse a permis de développer des outils numériques de modélisation biomécanique, qui pourraient être implémentés pour l’étude d’autres pathologies qui touchent les muscles de la coiffe. Elle a aussi permis d’identifier des pathomécanismes potentiels de l’épaule associés à la propulsion en FRM. Plus d’études restent nécessaires pour valider nos résultats pour des populations plus larges et plus hétérogènes. / Manual wheelchairs (MWC) are essential for their users’ participation in active life. However, the repetitive propulsion motion is straining on the shoulder, leading to the injury of the rotor cuff tendons, which negatively impacts the mobility, autonomy, and life quality of the users. While numerous studies tried to characterise propulsion to identify pain predictors, the technical and anatomical complexities of the propulsion and shoulder, respectively, hinder the understanding of the pathomecanisms associated with the MWC use. Additionally, the variability of the propulsion conditions within an urban environment (sidewalks, slopes, etc.) entails assessing users’ adaptations to better represent their daily life. The main objective of this thesis was to further our understanding of the shoulder pathomecanisms associated with MWC propulsion. For this purpose, it was important to understand the effect of the load imposed by MWC propulsion on the shoulder at different scales ranging from the kinematics to soft tissue stress through joint forces. Our specific objectives were to (1) Identify adaptations of the propulsion technique across a cross-slope, as this skill is representative of propulsion along sidewalks; (2) Predict physiologically plausible muscle forces that express the role of muscles in joint stability; (3) Predict the deformation field at the rotator cuff using a hybrid shoulder simulator, i.e., a finite element model driven by muscle excitations and joint kinematics predicted by a rigid multi-body model. (1) Using kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic data from nine MWC users, we analysed the adaption of their propulsion techniques across a cross-slope. While all participants propelled themselves, their adaptation techniques varied in terms of efficiency and injury risk. This highlighted the importance of training of MWC skills. (2) We adapted a neuromusculoskeletal calibration toolbox to express glenohumeral stability constraints. The calibrated models were then implemented to predict muscle and glenohumeral joint reaction forces. This approach allowed us to express the role of co-contraction in joint stability. The predicted joint reaction forces indicated that propulsion is a destabilizing task for the glenohumeral joint. Finally, the comparison of models calibrated to participants with varying functional abilities highlighted the limitations of numerical calibration. (3) A finite element model of the shoulder with three-dimensional muscles was developed to simulate a propulsion cycle. The muscles were activated using experimental electromyographic data. The scapula and humerus were driven by joint kinematics extracted from a rigid multi-body model. The analysis of the deformations of the supraspinatus muscle-tendon unit suggested potential explanations for the prevalence of tendon tears in MWC users, particularly in the anterior and interstitial zone of this tendon. Our analysis seems to agree with the literature, emphasizing that the high repetition of the propulsion cycle might be more taxing than its load. Through this thesis, we developed numeric tools for biomechanical modelling, which could be implemented for the study of other pathologies that affect the rotator cuff. We were also able to identify potential pathomecanisms of the shoulder that are associated with MWC propulsion. Mores studies are still needed to validate our results for larger and more heterogeneous populations.

Användare av manuella rullstolar möter ofta betydande utmaningar när det gäller fysisk ansträngning, energiförbrukning och tidsåtgång för att hantera vardagliga situationer. Denna kontinuerliga påfrestning utsätter deras överkropp, särskilt armar och axlar, för stort slitage. Följaktligen kan omfattande långvarig användning av manuella rullstolar tillsammans med kroppsliga obalanser, bidra till ytterligare hälsokomplikationer som negativt påverkar användarens både allmänna fysiska och mentala hälsa. Målet med detta examensarbete är att utvärdera möjligheten att utveckla mobiltelefonprogramvara som kan samverka med kommersiella ANT+ sensorer, vilka installeras på rullstolen för att samla, beräkna och presentera betydelsefulla data för användaren. Data som kan användas för att underlätta justering av användarens rörelsemönster för att förbättra användarens hälsostatus. Mjukvaran kommer dessutom att tillåta oss att utvärdera både användbarhet och lämplighet hos ANT+ sensorerna. Både för sig själva och jämfört med andra trådlösa sensorer. Mjukvaran kommer dessutom att låta oss utvärdera hur exakta data från sensorerna är och om de att vara behjälpliga för att optimera rullstolarnas förmåga att tillämpa användarnas data. Användandet av dem kan hjälpa till att minimera potentiell och undvikbar skada hos användarna av rullstolarna. Undersökningens resultat visar att utvecklandet av programvaran inte var lika enkel som förväntat. Eftersom de verktyg som tillhandahölls av ANT+ blivit utdaterade. Sensorerna har ändå genererat tillräckligt rimliga, korrekta och användbara resultat. Resultaten har visat sig vara givande för brukarna i den här undersökningen. Dessutom ansåg en majoritet av testpersonerna att sensorerna från ANT+ var mer användarvänliga jämfört med andra trådlösa sensorer. De framhöll speciellt den användarvänliga anslutningsprocessen. / Manual wheelchair users often encounter significant challenges in terms of energy expenditure, time allocation and physical effort, to navigate everyday life scenarios. This continuous strain exposes their upper body, particularly arms and shoulders, to extreme fatigue, leading eventually to long-term damage. Consequently, extensive long-term usage combined with bodily imbalances can contribute to further health complications affecting both their general physical and mental health detrimentally. The objective of this thesis is to assess the possibility of building mobile phone software that can work in conjunction with commercial ANT+ sensors that are installed on the chair to gather, calculate, and present the user with valuable data that facilitate the adjustment of their movement patterns to enhance health outcomes. Furthermore, this software will allow us to evaluate the connectivity convenience of ANT+ sensors, both in itself and in comparison to other wireless sensors. Additionally, it will allow us to gauge the accuracy of the sensors and whether they can be of help in optimizing wheelchair functionality aiming to amplify the user’s output and minimizing potential and avoidable damage. The results show that while the development of the application wasn’t as straight forward as expected due to ANT’s provided development tools being outdated, the sensors provided reasonably accurate data, proving beneficial to the users in this context. Moreover, the majority of testers found that connecting to ANT+ sensors was notably easier in comparison to other wireless sensors, highlighting the user-friendly nature of the connection process itself.

Contexte : La participation sociale d’utilisateurs de fauteuils roulants peut être affectée par certains facteurs, tels que l’accessibilité et les caractéristiques individuelles de ces derniers, pouvant limiter leur pleine implication dans la réalisation des activités signifiantes de la vie quotidienne. Afin d’améliorer leur mobilité, différents prototypes de fauteuils roulants motorisés intelligents (FRMIs) sont en développement, à l’intention de personnes présentant des déficiences physiques, cognitives ou sensorielles, et qui sont dans l’incapacité d’utiliser un fauteuil roulant motorisé (FRM). Le but visé est de leur procurer davantage d’autonomie dans leurs déplacements, et tenter ainsi de répondre à leurs besoins en termes de mobilité et de participation sociale. Objectif : Explorer la littérature portant sur le développement de FRMIs afin de comprendre dans quelle mesure les prototypes existants répondent aux besoins réels des utilisateurs, d’identifier les limites des études, et de faire des recommandations pour mieux orienter le développement continu des FRMIs. Méthodologie : Un examen de la portée a été réalisé suivant les six étapes proposées par Arskeys et O’Malley (2005), puis bonifiées par Levac et al. (2010). Les études publiées en anglais ou en français, jusqu’à septembre 2020, ont été consultées. Résultats : Au total, 41 études ont été retenues pour l’analyse. Les résultats suggèrent que les différentes technologies intégrées aux FRMIs pourraient contribuer à répondre à certains besoins d’utilisateurs présentant différentes incapacités, contribuer à améliorer leur mobilité, procurer de l’autonomie et favoriser leur participation sociale. Par ailleurs, des résultats complémentaires ont permis d’identifier : (a) d’autres technologies, pouvant favoriser davantage le sentiment d’autonomie et de confort aux utilisateurs, et (b) d’autres usages possibles du FRMI en clinique. Une limite importante identifiée est l’absence d’études expérimentales pouvant permettre d’évaluer l’efficacité du FRMI. Le point de vue des proches-aidants est également peu rapporté dans la littérature. Conclusion : Des études futures seraient à envisager en vue d’améliorer les prototypes de FRMIs existants. / Background: The level of social participation among wheelchair users can be affected by factors such as accessibility, as well as their individual clinical profile, which can limit their full involvement in meaningful activities of daily living. To meet their needs in terms of mobility and social participation, different prototypes of intelligent powered wheelchairs (IPW) are being developed, in order to improve the mobility of people with physical, cognitive or sensorial impairments, who have difficulties using standard powered wheelchairs. Objective: The aim of this study was to map the existing literature on the nature of studies carried out on IPWs to better understand how the existing IPWs meet the needs of powered wheelchair users, and to better guide the ongoing development of IPWs. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the six stages of Arskeys and O’Malley’s (2005) framework which was later enhanced by Levac et al. (2010). All studies available until September 2020, written in English or in French, were included. Results: A total of 41 studies were included in the scoping review. The results suggest that the various technologies integrated into IPWs could meet some of the needs of powered wheelchair users (PWu), could help improve mobility, provide independence, and promote social participation of some PWu. Moreover, additional results were identified: (a) other technologies, that could provide more independence and comfort to users, and (b) other clinical uses of IPW. An important limitation of the literature is the lack of experimental studies that could help assessing the efficiency of IPW. The point of view of caregivers is also less reported in the literature. Conclusion: Further studies should be considered to improve the functioning of the existing prototypes of IPW.

Imagine a power wheelchair that can step over obstacles, step up on sidewalks and drive on lateral slopes whilst the user is still seated upright. Previously these features were impossible, but thanks to Elumo this is no longer the case. Elumo is a six-wheeled base to be used on electric wheelchairs. The base has been developed by Malin Svensson and Johan Olsson during their bachelor’s thesis at the Innovation Engineering Program at Halmstad University. The project took place between autumn 2021 and spring 2022.   The development of Elumo started with several user studies conducted by the students, where over 70 wheelchair users responded to a survey concerning the everyday life of a person using wheelchairs. These users were later invited to a user workshop where they could list everyday complaints and possible improvements concerning existing power wheelchairs. One of the most common complaints was getting up on sidewalks and driving on uneven terrain.   Both of these problems will be solved with the base Elumo. The technology that makes the stepping-feature and improved suspension possible, is patented by the company EMTW and the students have had a close cooperation with them during the development. Our goal is for “Elumo to become a new product that will focus on the user and will deliver innovative power wheelchairs that provide safety, independence and improve quality of life for people using wheelchairs.”

This diploma thesis describes the design and processing of project documentation pension. The proposed facility is located in the village of Železná Ruda- Pamferova Hut. The site is widely used by tourists in winter and summer. This is partly basement building, which has 2 storeys and an attic. The roof is designed as a gabled dormer with a flat roof. The building is based on the footings of plain concrete and under the reinforced concrete pillars are designed shoe. Supporting, peripheral and partition walls are designed from sand-lime bricks SENDWIX. An exception is peripheral walls of the basement, which is in contact with soil, which is designed as a lost formwork. In the dining area, which has an open reinforced concrete columns. Ceiling structure will consist of prestressed ceiling panels SPIROLL. Perimeter walls are insulated using external thermal insulation composite system using insulation from stone wool. The building is functionally divided into three main parts with a common main entrance. The first part is a restaurant with a kitchen, storage and kitchen facilities. This section is designed restaurants with a total capacity of 26 persons, the capacity will be in the summer to expand the possible capacity of the terrace, which belongs to the dining room. It is also proposed sanitary facilities for visitors to the restaurant, kitchen with storage and facilities for staff. The second part is the wellness center, which consists of a gym and rooms with infrared sauna and whirlpool. This section is designed sanitary facilities for visitors separated for men and women. The last part of the pension, which used to accommodate 30 people and the background of the pension. Backgrounds pension means any technical equipment room, storage room for bikes and skis, and not least the individual room house, which also includes a room for personal hygiene. This thesis was created with an emphasis on a correct layout and architectural design, static requirements an

Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Access to wheelchairs is considered a basic human right. Wheelchairs enhance function, improve independence, and enables persons with disabilities to successfully live in the community. An inappropriate wheelchair may however limit function rather than promote it. Achieving an ideal match between user and technology, however is challenging. A recent audit in the Eastern Cape revealed that standard folding frame type wheelchairs were predominantly being issued and waiting list for wheelchairs is long. The need for investigation into prescription practice, from the perspective of both prescribing therapists as well as wheelchair users, was identified. Aims: To describe wheelchair prescription practice in the public sector of the Eastern Cape; and to determine whether the wheelchairs being issued address the psychosocial needs of users. Study design: A descriptive mixed-method cross-sectional study design was used. Quantitative and qualitative data from questionnaires and functional wheelchair skills tests of wheelchair users (Phase 1) and from semi-structured interviews with prescribing therapists (Phase 2) was used to describe prescription practice and investigate the psychosocial needs of wheelchair users. Methods: A small sample of convenienve according to home address was obtained that included 30 users (15 from a rural; 15 from a semi-rural setting). The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) questionnaire, Functioning Everyday with a wheelchair (FEW/FMA) scale and a self-compiled wheelchair specifications checklist (WSC) were used to determine user functionality and level of satisfaction with the wheelchair. Purposive sampling was done to identify the therapists that had prescribed the wheelchairs for the participants in the first phase of the study. A semi- structured interview was used to determine prescription practice including perceived barriers of wheelchair prescription with ten prescribing therapists. Data analysis: Qualitative data was analysed deductively and frequency of responses tabulated. Quantitative data was summarised as means and standard deviations and subgroup analysis comparisons were done using the Chi-square test and relationships between variables investigated using Pearson/ Spearman correlation or ANOVA. A p < 0.05 was deemed significant. Results: Eighty three % of wheelchairs issued were urban wheelchairs. These are generally perceived by users as sufficient to address their psychosocial needs regarding mobility and transport, however, seem to fail users in terms of accessibility and independence within their rural/ semi- rural environment. According to the WSC scores, peri-urban wheelchairs were found to be more appropriate for the users than urban wheelchairs (p < 0.01). No significant relationships were found between wheelchair fit, use of a cushion, occurrence of pressure sores and self-perceived psychosocial needs in this sample. The users experienced most difficulty with outdoor mobility (57% needed full assistance) and transport (63% needed full assistance) within their current wheelchairs. Ten prescribing therapists participated in the study. Most valued appropriate seating, are knowledgeable regarding prescription practice, but reported several barriers to this practice including budget restraints (90%), time to delivery (100%) and lack of training (40%). The need for more appropriate wheelchair designs to suit multi- level manoeuvrability of persons in rural/ semi-rural environments was also reported (60%). Conclusion: The results of this study show that wheelchair prescription in the Western Region of the Eastern Cape (WRoEC) has various challenges. Although the wheelchair users were mostly satisfied with their wheelchairs, this study identified areas for improvement in the users’ functioning, postural support and biomechanics within their wheelchairs, especially as it relates to their home environment. There is scope for improvement of wheelchair delivery to persons in the WRoEC – from on-going training of therapists and clients to more appropriate wheelchair designs for persons in rural settings. Further research in this field is recommended. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agtergrond: Toegang tot rolstoele word as ‘n basiese mensereg geag. Rolstoele dra by tot verbeterde funksionaliteit, groter onafhanklikheid, en bemagtig mense met gestremdhede om suksesvol in die gemeenskap te lewe. Nietemin, ‘n onvanpaste rolstoel mag funksie beperk eerder as om dit te bevorder. Om die ideale pas tussen rolstoel gebruiker en tegnologie te vind is uitdagend.’n Onlangse oudit in die Oos- Kaap het getoon dat standaard vou-raam tipe rolstoele oorwegend uitgereik word, en dat die waglys vir rolstoele lank is. Die gaping vir verdere ondersoek rakende voorskrif praktyk, vanaf beide die perspektief van die terapeute wat voorskryf asook rolstoel gebruikers, is geidentifiseer. Doel: Om rolstoel voorskrif praktryk in die publieke sektor van die Oos- Kaap te beskryf; en om vas te stel of die rolstoele wat uitgereik word die psigososiale behoeftes van gebruikers addresseer. Studie Ontwerp: ‘n Beskrywende gemengde metode deursnee studie ontwerp is gebruik. Kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe data van vraelyste en funksionele rolstoelvaardigheids toetse van rosltoel gebruikers (Fase 1) en van semi- gestruktureerde onderhoude met voorskrywende terapeute (Fase 2) is gebruik om voorskrif praktyk te beskryf en om die psigososiale behoeftes van gebruikers te ondersoek. Metodes: Dertig rolstoel gebruikers (15 van ‘n landelike; 15 van ‘n gedeeltelik- landelike opset) het deelgeneem in die studie. Die PIADS vraelys, “Functioning Everyday with a Wheelchair” (FMA/ FEW) skaal en ‘n self-opgestelde rolstoel spesifikasie kontrolelys (WSC) is gebruik om gebruiker funksionaliteit en tevredenheid met die rolstoel vas te stel. ‘n Semi- gestruktureerde onderhoud is gebruik om rolstoel voorskrifpraktyk insluitend persepsies van beperkinge tot die voorskrifte van rolstoele vas te stel onder tien terapeute. Dataverwerking: Kwalitatiewe data is deduktief geanaliseer en getal response is getabuleer. Kwantitatiewe data is opgesom as gemiddeldes en standaardafwykings en subgroep analise vergelyking is gedoen deur middel van die Chi- square toets. Verhoudings tussen veranderlikes is ondersoek deur middel van die Pearson/ Spearman korrelasie/ ANOVA. P < 0.05 is as statisties beduidend aanskou. Resultate: Drie-en-tagtig % van die uitgereikte rolstoele was landelike rolstoele. Hierdie stoele word oor die algemeen deur gebruikers ervaar as genoegsaam om hulle psigososiale behoeftes rakende vervoer en mobilitiet te bevredig, maar skiet nietemin tekort as dit kom by toeganklikheid en onafhanklikheid binne hulle landelike-/ semi- landelike omgewing. Volgens die WSC resultate, is die semi- landelike rolstoele meer toepaslik vir die gebruikers as die stedelike rolstoele. Geen merkwaardige verhoudings is gevind tussen rolstoel pas, gebruik van kussing, druksere en persepsie van psigososiale behoeftes nie. Die gebruikers het die meeste gesukkel met buitemuurse mobiliteit (57% het volle bystand benodig) en vervoer (63% het volle bystand benodig) in hulle huidige rolstoele. Tien terapeute het aan semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude deelgeneem. Daar is bevind dat hulle korrekte “seating” waardevol ag, kundig is rakende voorskrif praktyk, maar het talle beperkinge geidentifiseer in die praktyk insluitend: begrotings beperkings (90%), tyd tot aflewering (100%) en tekort aan opleiding in dié veld (40%). Die behoefte aan meer toepaslike rolstoel ontwerpe om multi- dimensionele beweeglikheid van persone in landelike/ semi- landelike omgewings te verseker, is ook vasgestel (60%). Gevolgtrekking: Die resultate van hierdie studie toon dat die voorskryf van rolstoele in die Westelike streek van die Oos- Kaap (WSvOK) vele uitdagings het. Alhoewel die rolstoel gebruikers grotendeels tevrede was met hulle rolstoele, het hierdie studie areas vir verbetering geidentifiseer in die gebruikers se funksionaliteit, posturale ondersteuning en biomeganika in hulle rolstoele, veral soos dit van toepassing is op hulle tuis omgewing. Daar is ruimte vir verbetering vir rolstoel lewering aan persone in die WSvOK; vanaf deurlopende opleiding vir terapeute en gebruikers, tot meer toepaslike rolstoel ontwerpe vir persone in landelike gebiede. Verdere navorsing in dié veld word aanbeveel.

Alors que l’utilisation d’un fauteuil roulant permet aux personnes en situation de handicap de compenser une perte de la mobilité, certaines personnes se voient privées de l’utilisation d’un fauteuil roulant électrique. En effet, la présence de troubles cognitifs ou de la perception visuelle altère la capacité à conduire sans danger. Dans ce contexte, l’accès à la mobilité peut être amélioré par l’apport d’aides techniques adaptées permettant de compenser la perte de mobilité dans tous types d’environnements. Alors que les premiers travaux sur les fauteuils roulants intelligents datent du début des années 80, aucune solution n’est à ce jour sur le marché ou dans les centres de rééducation. Ce travail vise à proposer un ensemble de solutions d’aide à la conduite de fauteuil roulant électrique conçu en collaboration. Le développement de telles aides techniques constitue de multiples défis robotiques mêlant techniques de détection innovantes et méthodes de contrôle partagé avec l’utilisateur. Dans ce travail, un simulateur de conduite visant à appuyer la recherche et le développement de nouvelles solutions robotiques est proposé. Puis des solutions bas coût d’assistance semiautonome à la conduite en intérieur et en extérieur sont détaillées. L’évaluation avec des participants sains nous permet de valider les méthodes mathématiques mises en oeuvre et de fournir des preuves de concept des solutions proposées. Enfin, les premières évaluations cliniques avec des usagers au Pôle MPR Saint Hélier montrent la validation de de la méthode proposée en termes de satisfaction des utilisateurs. / While the use of a wheelchair allows people with disabilities to compensate for a loss of mobility, people with severe disabilities are denied the use of a power wheelchair. Indeed, cognitive or visual perception impairments can affect the ability to drive safely. In this context, access to mobility can be improved by providing appropriate assistive technologies to compensate for loss of mobility in all types of environments. While the first research on smart wheelchairs dates back to the early 1980s, no solutions have yet been proposed on the market or in rehabilitation centers and other specialized structures. This work aims to propose a set of solutions for power wheelchair navigation assistance designed in close collaboration with users and therapists. The development of such assistive solutions faces multiple robotic challenges combining innovative detection techniques, shared control with the user. In this work, a driving simulator supporting research and development of new robotic solutions for wheelchair navigation assistance is proposed. Then low-cost semi-autonomous assistance solutions for navigation assistance in indoor and outdoor environments are detailed. The evaluation with able-bodied participants allows to validate the mathematical methods and provide proof of concept of the proposed solutions. Finally, the first clinical evaluations with regular users at Pôle MPR Saint Hélier show the validation of the proposed framework in terms of user satisfaction.