IT Unit 2: Powered mobility, exoskeletons, and robotics

what do most payer sources require to cover power mobility devices

an assistive technology professional to be part of the fitting and customizing process and a letter of medical necessity for each portion of the device

what should be considered when deciding the right device for a patient

the patient must have adequate cognition for safety

what are the different types of drive access for powered mobility

joysticks

head array

sip and puff

eye gaze

what are joystick handles

a joystick that is able to move the chair in any direction at any speed

what does a joystick drive access require

hand dexterity and ROM

who are joystick drive access systems used for

for users with a neurological condition that preserves UE strength and ROM

how is a joystick handle held

make a V shape with the hand and hold the joystick in between that crevice

who are head array controlled power chairs used for

for those who are unable to use other methods of driving such as the joystick

how does a head array controlled power chair system work

there are two or three head switches attached to a headrest with brackets

what are the switches on head array controlled power chair systems for

waking up the chair from sleep, driving the chair, putting the chair into sleep

how is a head array power chair mobilied

the switch is activated left or right twice and held to drive forward

what is the sip and puff method of powered mobility devices

there is a straw device in front of the users mouth and the user can provide commands

who ae the sip and puff powered chairs used for

users with minimal or no UE function or with spasticity

how is a sip and puff powered chair used

positive pressure from a puff or negative pressure from a sip is used to move the wheelchair

what are the cons of the sip and puff powered chair

it is more expensive and requires hygiene maintenance

what is a eye gaze control powered chair

the user looks at various options on the screen to navigate and drive the chair

who is the eye gaze control powered chair used for

those without head or UE abilities

what is independence drive for eye gaze powered chairs

the user has a caregiver on the rear of the chair that uses controls to drive the user

what are tilt and recline functions of chairs used for

safety positioning

pain relief

pressure relief

what should be done when returning to neutral position from a reclined position

adjustment of posture to ensure maintenance of skin integrity due to shear forces

what does an elevating chair allow

allows the user to reach objects at certain heights as well as socialize at eye level without neck strain

what is the stand and drive function of powered chairs

allows the user to be elevated into a standing position to increase circulation, increase social interaction, and decrease bone loss

what are some considerations to drive a power wheelchair

cognition for safety

one consistent movement

consider sensitivity calibration and directional control

consider shear forces if tilt, recline, and stand options

integration of other tech

how are exoskeletons ued

as a patient is prompted or cued to generate a movement they initiate the movement and the exoskeleton assist with the force and velocity or can generate the movement if the pt is unable

what is the pediatric exoskeleton called

trexo

what are the disadvantages of exoskeletons

highly expensive

very bulky and heavy

what is the adult version of a exoekelton called

ekso indego

who were exoskeletons developed for

individuals with paraplegia

what is located on the back of an adult exoskeleton

a battery back and a controlled that can be programed to determine initiation or amount of movement

what is a ReWalk exoskeleton

a less bulky exoskeleton where the battery pack is on the low back and the control is on a wrist band

what are soft exosuits

exoskeletons with less rigidity and provide prompts/cues rather than movement

what is an AlterG treadmill

a partial weight bearing device over a treadmill so the patient does not have to use a harness that allows for reduction in gravity