An Automated Electronic System in a Motorized Wheelchair for Telemonitoring: Mixed Methods Study Based on Internet of...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Internet of Things (IoT)

Background:

• Wheelchair positioning systems are vital for preventing postural deficits and pressure injuries.
• Current systems require more effective professional follow-up for personalized monitoring.
• Clinical needs necessitate advanced solutions for wheelchair user care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an Internet of Things (IoT) based electronic system for automated wheelchair positioning.
• To integrate telemonitoring capabilities for enhanced user support.
• To develop a user-centered system for motorized wheelchairs.

Main Methods:

• Mixed methods study employing a user-centered design approach.
• Interviews with 16 wheelchair users and 66 professionals to define system functions.
• Formative assessment with 5 participants for concept design and analysis.

Main Results:

• Developed a novel wheelchair system with integrated hardware and software components within an IoT architecture.
• Incorporated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors for crucial monitoring and control of tilt and recline functions.
• Enabled autonomous wheelchair positioning control via a smartphone application, addressing user requirements.

Conclusions:

• The developed IoT system enhances telemonitoring and real-time feedback for quality healthcare services to wheelchair users.
• User-centered development ensured the system's specific functions meet genuine user demands.
• Future research should explore the correlation between diagnoses and system use in real-world environments to aid professionals.