A case study of product usability of a pelvic device used by children with neuromotor impairments

摘要

On assistive technology targeted for people with activity limitations and participation, usability issues becomes an essential toolto ensure that the product has the appropriate ergonomics characteristics, in other words, ensure that it fits the specific user´sneeds. The aim of this study was to analyze the usability of an adaptive seating device for children with neuromotor impairments,by using kinematic indicators of the reaching movement. The study sample consisted of 13 children with associated neurologicconditions. The tests were developed by using a wooden bench height adjustable, integrated with the adaptive seating deviceunder study, and a system to capture three-dimensional image, called Qualisys Track Manager. The following reachingkinematics variables were measured: maximum reaching velocity, movement duration, index of curvature, and unit movements.It was found that the use of the adaptive seating device had a positive impact on upper limb function in children with neuromotorimpairments. It was also noticed an improvement in the reaching movement kinematics, which was statistical significant for theindex of curvature and unit movements. As main conclusions, it is possible to point out some positive effects that the productunder study seems to have on users' movements, such as the improved movement quality of the upper limb, which could mean abetter postural adjustments and higher trunk postural control. By identifying new measures of usability in terms of effectivenessand efficiency for the analyzeddevice, the results obtained may serve also as performance indicators, providing new data thatmay help to improve the product and eventually modifying it, in order to turn it more compatible with the needs of the consideredtarget population.