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This study aimed to explore the requirements for accessible Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) and AV services from a consumer perspective, focusing on people with disabilities (PwDs) and older adults. Two national surveys were conducted, capturing current transportation trends and AV priorities. Participants (n = 922) with disabilities and older adults were included in the analysis. Transportation choices exhibited significant divergence based on the underlying causes of disabilities, showcasing distinct inclinations and impediments within each category. AV services, encompassing family conveyance and package delivery, proved integral, but their specific desirability fluctuated in accordance with the nature of disabilities. Notably, medical appointments emerged as the foremost AV utilisation requirement, particularly pronounced among individuals with hearing impairments. Preferences for orchestrating AV rides and the preferred vehicle types displayed disparities linked to the various disability classifications. The employment of mobile applications, websites, and text messages were preferred mediums for arranging rides. Features such as automated route guidance and collision prevention garnered unanimous precedence among AV attributes. Key priorities, spanning wheelchair accessibility, user profiles, and seamless communication with AVs, were universally emphasised across all participant clusters. The study indicated a moderate comfort level with AV deployment, implying the potential for favourable reception within the population of PwDs and older adults. The study highlights the significance of considering diverse needs in accessible AV development of vehicle and infrastructure and policies. The findings inform evidence-based interventions and programmes that prioritise accessibility needs, promoting social inclusion and equitable transportation solutions. Continued research and advocacy are essential for successful autonomous vehicle integration, catering to the needs of all individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advances in wearable robots across various fields, there is no consensus definition or design framework for the application of this technology in rehabilitation or musculoskeletal (MSK) injury prevention. This paper aims to define wearable robots and explore their applications and challenges for military rehabilitation and force protection for MSK injury prevention. We conducted a modified Delphi method, including a steering group and 14 panelists with 10+ years of expertise in wearable robots. Panelists presented current wearable robots currently in use or in development for rehabilitation or assistance use in the military workforce and healthcare. The steering group and panelists met to obtain a consensus on the wearable robot definition applicable for rehabilitation or primary injury prevention. Panelists unanimously agreed that wearable robots can be grouped into three main applications, as follows: (1) primary and secondary MSK injury prevention, (2) enhancement of military activities and tasks, and (3) rehabilitation and reintegration. Each application was presented within the context of its target population and state-of-the-art technology currently in use or under development. Capturing expert opinions, this study defines wearable robots for military rehabilitation and MSK injury prevention, identifies health outcomes and assessment tools, and outlines design requirements for future advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing automated vehicle transportation guidelines and regulations have minimal guidance to address the specific needs of people with disabilities. Accessibility should be at the forefront to increase autonomy and independence for people with disabilities. The purpose of this research is to better understand potential facilitators and barriers to using accessible autonomous transportation. Focus groups were conducted with key stakeholders derived from people with disabilities (n = 5), travel companions/caregivers (n = 5), and transportation experts or designers (n = 11). The themes include describing stakeholder perceptions across all three groups by identified themes: autonomous vehicle assistive technology, autonomy vs automation, cost, infrastructure, safety & liability, design challenges, and potential impact. Specific gaps and needs were identified regarding barriers and facilitators for transportation accessibility and evidence-based guidance. These specific gaps can help to formulate design criteria for the communication between, the interior and exterior of accessible autonomous vehicles. Accessible and affordable autonomous transportation may increase mobility and the autonomy of people with disabilities to travel spontaneously. Autonomous vehicles and services should be designed to accommodate various types of disabilities such as multimodal and multilingual device communication. Safety and liability regulatory protocols need to be developed for incidents and emergencies. Wheelchair user, especially people who use powered devices, would need systems for ingress/egress, docking, and occupant restraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify and synthesise the available evidence on the effect of mobility on social participation and quality of life (QoL) of wheelchairs (WC) on adults who use WC as their primary means of mobility. Systematic review undertaken in accordance with the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination Guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic reviews. Nine electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, CINAHL, PEDro, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and BVS ECOS) were searched with the following PICO eligibility criteria: (P) Population was individuals with mobility limitations that live in their community, aged 18 or older; (I) Intervention was mobility devices, such as manual and powered wheelchairs; (C) Comparators, not applied; (O) Outcome was factors that can be influenced by wheelchair use, such as: social participation, health-related quality of life and QOL. Critical appraisal of methodological quality of studies were undertaken. A total of 18 studies were included. The proportion of studies evaluating the effects of mobility on participation was higher than to mobility on QoL. WC quality, device benefit (ease of repairs and maintenance), confidence using a WC and WC skills were key factors determining participation. The provision of WC according to the eight steps service proposed by the Word Health Organisation contributed to higher levels of physical health, WC satisfaction, hours using the WC and QoL enhancement. Attention should be given to enhance WC service provision (with continuous service support) as well as professional continuing education. Wheelchair technology is a key element in rehabilitation. Significant effort should be made to provide and maintain the wheelchair as a facilitator to participation. A great attention should be done to enhance wheelchair services as well as professional continuous education. Wheelchair skills are associated with participation and may be targeted in clinical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]