The Promise of Assistive Technology to Enhance Activity and Work Participation


Book Description

The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that 56.7 million Americans had some type of disability in 2010, which represents 18.7 percent of the civilian noninstitutionalized population included in the 2010 Survey of Income and Program Participation. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. As of December 2015, approximately 11 million individuals were SSDI beneficiaries, and about 8 million were SSI beneficiaries. SSA currently considers assistive devices in the nonmedical and medical areas of its program guidelines. During determinations of substantial gainful activity and income eligibility for SSI benefits, the reasonable cost of items, devices, or services applicants need to enable them to work with their impairment is subtracted from eligible earnings, even if those items or services are used for activities of daily living in addition to work. In addition, SSA considers assistive devices in its medical disability determination process and assessment of work capacity. The Promise of Assistive Technology to Enhance Activity and Work Participation provides an analysis of selected assistive products and technologies, including wheeled and seated mobility devices, upper-extremity prostheses, and products and technologies selected by the committee that pertain to hearing and to communication and speech in adults.




Targeted Muscle Reinnervation


Book Description

Implement TMR with Your Patients and Improve Their Quality of LifeDeveloped by Dr. Todd A. Kuiken and Dr. Gregory A. Dumanian, targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is a new approach to accessing motor control signals from peripheral nerves after amputation and providing sensory feedback to prosthesis users. This practical approach has many advantage




Advances in Technology-Assisted Rehabilitation


Book Description

According to a 2005 report of the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide – 16% of the global population – experienced significant disability. This number has only been increasing due to population ageing and an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Rehabilitation addresses the impact of a health condition on a person’s everyday life, by optimizing their function and reducing the experience of disability. Rehabilitation ensures people with a health condition can remain as independent as possible and participate in education, work, and meaningful life roles. Global demographic and health trends, such as population ageing, medical staffing shortages, rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, as well as continued consequences of conflict, injury and developmental conditions are placing increasing demands on the health care systems. The need for quality rehabilitation is rapidly growing, yet in many parts of the world this need is largely unmet.




Mechatronics in Action


Book Description

Mechatronics in Action’s case-study approach provides the most effective means of illustrating how mechatronics can make products and systems more flexible, more responsive and possess higher levels of functionality than would otherwise be possible. The series of case studies serves to illustrate how a mechatronic approach has been used to achieve enhanced performance through the transfer of functionality from the mechanical domain to electronics and software. Mechatronics in Action not only provides readers with access to a range of case studies, and the experts’ view of these, but also offers case studies in course design and development to support tutors in making the best and most effective use of the technical coverage provided. It provides, in an easily accessible form, a means of increasing the understanding of the mechatronic concept, while giving both students and tutors substantial technical insight into how this concept has been developed and used.




Emerging Technologies for Health Literacy and Medical Practice


Book Description

Emerging Technologies for Health Literacy and Medical Practice unveils a transformative revolution brought about by emerging technologies, setting the stage for a paradigmatic shift from reactive medical interventions to proactive preventive measures. This transition has not only redefined the doctor-patient relationship but has also placed patients at the helm of their health management, actively engaged in informed decision-making. The book, a collective effort by experts across diverse disciplines, stands as an authoritative compendium delving into the profound implications of cutting-edge technologies in healthcare. From the tantalizing realm of artificial intelligence powering diagnostics and treatments to the tangible impact of wearable health devices and telemedicine on accessibility, each chapter delves into the nuanced interplay between technology and medical practice. This book spotlights the capabilities of these technologies, as well as dissecting the ethical, social, and regulatory tapestry they unravel. This book, thoughtfully tailored for a spectrum of stakeholders, epitomizes a synergy between knowledge dissemination and empowerment. From healthcare practitioners seeking to optimize medical practices to policymakers navigating the labyrinth of ethical considerations, from educators enriching health literacy to patients empowered to navigate their health journey, the book unearths its relevance across the healthcare spectrum.




Bioinspired Structures and Design


Book Description

Master simple to advanced biomaterials and structures with this essential text. Featuring topics ranging from bionanoengineered materials to bio-inspired structures for spacecraft and bio-inspired robots, and covering issues such as motility, sensing, control and morphology, this highly illustrated text walks the reader through key scientific and practical engineering principles, discussing properties, applications and design. Presenting case studies for the design of materials and structures at the nano, micro, meso and macro-scales, and written by some of the leading experts on the subject, this is the ideal introduction to this emerging field for students in engineering and science as well as researchers.




Prosthetic Designs for Restoring Human Limb Function


Book Description

This textbook provides a thorough introduction and overview of the design and engineering of state-of-the-art prosthetics and assistive technologies. Innovations in prosthetics are increasingly made by cross-disciplinary thinking, and the author introduces the application of biomedical, mechanical, electrical, computer, and materials engineering principles to the design of artificial limbs. Coverage includes the fundamentals of biomechanics, biomechanical modeling and measurements, the basics of anatomy and physiology of limb defects, and the historical development of prosthetic design. This book stimulates the innovative thinking necessary for advancing limb restoration, and will be essential reading for students, as well as researchers, professional engineers, and prosthetists involved in the design and manufacture of artificial limbs. Learning enhanced by the exercises, including physical modeling with MATLAB and Simulink; Includes appendices with relevant equations and parameters for reference; Introduction to the design and engineering of prosthetics and assistive technologies.




Powered Upper Limb Prostheses


Book Description

Powered Upper Limb Prostheses deals with the concept, implementation and clinical application of utilizing inherent electrical signals within normally innervated residual muscles under voluntary control of an upper limb amputee. This amplifies these signals by battery-powered electrical means to make a terminal device, the prosthetic hand, move to perform intended function. The reader is introduced to various facets of upper limb amputations and their clinical management in both children and adults. The authors from Canada, USA and Great Britain are well known practicioners, academics and researchers in the field. The book has over 130 illustrations and contains an extensive bibliography.




Bionic Limb Reconstruction


Book Description

This book presents the latest techniques in amputation rehabilitation and summarizes the most recent research findings in the field of bionic limb reconstruction. Divided into seven parts written by experts in the field, it provides valuable information on e.g. upper extremity injuries, psychological considerations, prosthetic engineering, and surgical and rehabilitation strategies. Illustrative figures and photos of real-life settings further assist understanding. This book is of interest not only for plastic surgeons, but also for hand surgeons, orthopedic and trauma surgeons as well as therapists, prosthetists and engineers.