Power Wheelchairs and the Internet of Things (IoT), Part 2 A more complex level of environmental control falls inevitably within the scope of domotics, that is, the range of information technology solutions designed for private homes. Domotics aims to create a real "smart home" nervous system, making it more flexible and adaptable to the needs of the home dweller. 2020-06-18 Keep Reading
Power Wheelchairs and the Internet of Things (IoT) The wheeled mobility devices industry has experienced a significant level of technological development over the last few years. This innovation entails not just an increased level of customization of the aid to meet the user's needs, but also a range of solutions enabling the user to interact with ICT devices (e.g. smartphones and tablets) and with household technologies directly through the wheelchair's controls. But how can the Power Wheelchair (PWC) effectively interact with the home environment? What is the potential of this interaction? 2020-05-31 Keep Reading
Skin Microclimate and Wheelchair Seating, Part 2 It can be challenging to incorporate microclimate review into a postural and mobility assessment under inevitable clinic time pressures. Some testing methods used in research studies, like attaching sensors to a client's bottom to monitor skin temperature, are not typically practical. However, inclusion of low-tech methods can provide a good understanding of a client's microclimatic risk. 2020-02-25 Keep Reading
Skin Microclimate and Wheelchair Seating, Part 1 In a study at the University of Minnesota on the impact of temperature, porcine participants were given 100mmHG of mechanical pressure to six identically sized areas2. The only variable was the temperature of each site. At 25° C (77° F) the study concluded there was no significant damage. At 45° C (113° F), the difference was dramatic, described as "full thickness cutaneous and deep tissue injury." 2020-01-29 Keep Reading
Muscle Tone Altered muscle tone is a common problem that wheelchair prescribers face when assessing for wheelchairs and seating. Altered muscle tone can negatively impact function and affect the way a user interacts with their wheelchair equipment. 2019-12-27 Keep Reading
