Innovation and Technology Comp Exam

Purpose of Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology devices aim to improve functional performance and participation in meaningful activities

What does a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) do?

justifies the medical and functional need for equipment

What 3 things should and LMN include

- Explanation of need

- Description of components

- Discussion of other equipment tried and outcomes

What 2 things should you NOT include in a LMN

Should not include insurance details or general medical history.

Standard Joystick Controls: What it Requires and who it is Best for

Requires hand dexterity and range of motion.

Best for users with some UE function

Standard Joystick Controls: Type of movement it allows.

Allows movement in any direction and adjustable speed/pressure sensitivity.

Head Array Systems: Who it's designed for and Type of movement it allows.

Designed for users unable to operate a joystick.

Allows control of:

- Chair movement (forward, back, turn)

- Chair modes (tilt, recline, sleep)

Sip and Puff Controls what Sip vs Puff Means

"Sip" = negative pressure

"Puff" = positive pressure

Sip and Puff Controls: Who it is used for

Ideal for users with limited or no UE function.

Eye Gaze Technology: Who it's used for

For users without head or limb movement.

Tracks eye movement to navigate or select directions.

Purpose of Exoskeletons

Facilitate or assist limb movement in patients with limited motor control.

Ekso Indego (Exoskeleton): Who it's designed for.

Designed for adults with paraplegia.

Harvard Soft Exosuit (Exoskeleton): Who it's designed for.

For people with Parkinson's disease

Why Telehealth? (4)

- Enhance Continuity of Care

- Improving access

- Minimize Travel

- Helps identify functional issues that may not appear in clinic

Licensure Rule of Telehealth

Provider must hold a license in the state where the patient is located.

Social Robots: What are they used for?

AI robots that can assist in tasks, providing companionship or teaching

Advantages (3) vs Disadvantages (2) of Social Robots

Advantages: tutor, companionship, engagement

Disadvantages: lack of empathy, unpredictable response

Virtual Reality: What are their uses? (4)

Motor rehabilitation

Sensory rehabilitation

Cognitive rehabilitation

Emotional rehabilitation

What does Mirror Therapy help with

Phantom limb pain to act as a form of "Distraction Analgesic"

VR mirror box therapy = even more effective

Alter-G Treadmill: Why use one of these devices?

Unload body weight (as low as 20% BW) to reduce joint stress and pain

Enable earlier gait training post-injury or post-surgery

What does Health Informatics link together?

Links data collection, electronic records, and clinical decision-making.

IHHH Concept Map: Data

collecting and comparing measures such as ROM or strength

IHHH Concept Map: Application

creating the plan of care and making clinical decisions.

IHHH Concept Map: Technology

using electronic systems and devices.

IHHH Concept Map: Disciplinary Lens

integrating knowledge across professions.

Informatics supports efficiency, patient outcomes, and faster research timelines through use of ____

existing EHR data

Insole Pressure Sensors - what are their uses? What are the disadvantages?

Thin sensors inserted in shoes to collect force and pressure data

Disadvantages are Accuracy and Durability

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs): Combine (3)

Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and Magnetometers

What do accelerometers, gyroscope, and magnetometers measure?

Accelerometer → linear acceleration

Gyroscope → angular velocity

Magnetometer → orientation to capture motion in natural settings.

Cushion Pressure Relief from low to greatest (3)

Foam → Air → Gel

Foam Cushion

inexpensive, limited pressure relief

Air Cushion

good pressure relief, less stability

Gel Cushion

best pressure relief + trunk stability; ideal for poor trunk control

Evaluation Team: Must include an ___ for coding and compatibility verification in complex power chairs

Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

Medial Thigh Supports

Maintains the hips of the seated individual in a prescribed amount of abduction, or prevents adduction of the hips

Lateral Pelvic Supports

Maintains the hip/pelvis in a centered position in the seat and provides a counterpoint to help control pelvic obliquity

Pelvic Stabilizer

provides firm anterior support at the symphysis pubis to keep the pelvis upright and prevent forward collapse.

ASIS Pads / Bar Pelvic Positioners

provide anterior control at one or both ASIS to maintain pelvic alignment and limit rotation or obliquity

Pelvic Belt

helps manage extensor thrusts and assists pelvic positioning by securing the pelvis at a 45-90° angle to the seat.

Anterior Shoulder Support

Retracts and stabilizes the shoulders to improve upper-trunk control and manage kyphotic posture.

Posterior Calf Support

Supports the lower legs and helps maintain knee flexion to prevent sliding forward.

Ankle Straps

hold the foot securely against the heel support by pulling across the neutral ankle at roughly a 45° angle.

Toe Straps (Midfoot Straps)

manage dorsiflexion and control forefoot movement.

Innovation should ____, not ____, therapist judgment

Innovation should ENHANCE, not REPLACE, therapist judgment

PTs must determine technology needs based on ____ and ____ contextual factors.

PTs must determine technology needs based on PERSONAL and ENVIRONMENTAL contextual factors.

Students should aim to match technology to ____, not impairments

Students should aim to match technology to FUNCTIONAL GOALS, not impairments

What should we prioritize in all technology-based interventions?

Prioritize safety, participation, and accessibility