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Data logger technologies for manual wheelchairs: A scoping review
François Routhier1,2, Josiane Lettre2, William C Miller3,4,5
1a Department of Rehabilitation , Université Laval , Quebec City , Quebec , Canada.
Assistive Technology : the Official Journal of RESNA
|November 16, 2016
Summary
Data loggers capture wheelchair user data, but vary in function. This review maps current research on these technologies for manual wheelchair users.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Biomedical Instrumentation
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Data logger technologies are increasingly used to objectively measure manual wheelchair user (MWU) characteristics.
- Existing technologies differ significantly in measured outcomes, usability, and user burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of published research utilizing data logger technologies for MWUs.
- To identify and describe the scope of research activity in this domain.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of scientific and gray literature was performed across five databases: Medline, Compendex, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Google Scholar.
- 119 papers were retained for analysis.
Main Results:
- A diverse range of data logging devices and sensing technologies were identified.
- Commonly used technologies include user-worn accelerometers (18.8%), wheelchair-mounted odometers (12.4%), wheelchair-mounted accelerometers (9.7%), and heart monitors (9.7%).
- Key reported outcomes include distance, mobility events, heart rate, speed/velocity, acceleration, and driving time.
Conclusions:
- Data loggers show promise for widespread clinical and personal use in wheelchair mobility due to decreasing costs and technological advancements.
- Further research is needed to evaluate the utility of various outcomes and develop user-centered methods to enhance the practicality of wheelchair data loggers.
