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Updated: Oct 27, 2025
Determining and Controlling External Power Output During Regular Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion
Published on: February 5, 2020
Customized Power Wheelchair Joysticks Made by Three-Dimensional Printing Technology: A Pilot Study on the
Hee Dong Shin1, Da Hyun Ahn1, Hyun Ah Lee1
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul 05368, Korea.
Background:
Power wheelchair joysticks are often available as standardized ready-made products for patients with severe hand dysfunction. However, standardized joysticks have limitations in accommodating the individualized features of hand dysfunctions. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has facilitated active research on the development of joysticks that can overcome such limitations.
Methods:
Four subjects participated in the study to evaluate driving abilities and satisfaction after using the customized joystick for two weeks. Modified power-mobility indoor driving assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index (NASA-TLX), and psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale (PIADS; Korean version) were employed for evaluation.
Results:
In patients 1-3, the modified PIDA scores had the highest values in the pre-test and post-test. In patient 4, the modified PIDA score had a higher value in the post-test (mean value = 4) compared to the pre-test (mean value = 3.33). In all patients, the modified PIDA time was lower in the post-test compared to the pre-test. The NASA-TLX and PIADS values indicate that greater satisfaction was achieved through the usage of customized joysticks in the post-test.
Conclusions:
All patients can improve their power wheelchair driving abilities and achieve greater satisfaction.
Clinical Relevance:
Three-dimensional printed customized power wheelchair joysticks can offer enhanced driving abilities and satisfaction to patients with limited hand function owing to severe spinal cord injury.
