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Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives

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A special issue of Technologies (ISSN 2227-7080). This special issue belongs to the section "Assistive Technologies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2025) | Viewed by 14233

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Daniele Giansanti

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Guest Editor

Centro Nazionale TISP, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
Interests: biomedical engineering; robotics; artificial intelligence; digital health; rehabilitation; smart technology; cybersecurity; mental health; animal-assisted therapy; social robotics; acceptance; diagnostic pathology and radiology; medical imaging; patient safety; healthcare quality; health assessment; chronic disease
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Assistive technologies are increasingly pivotal in enhancing the quality of life for individuals across various settings, including both rehabilitation and ongoing care. These technologies are transforming how we address diverse needs, ranging from communication support—such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems—to interventions for neuromotor disabilities. As research advances, innovative, high-performance solutions rooted in cutting-edge technology are continuously developed and made available to improve patient outcomes.

The field encompasses a wide array of technological advancements, including robotics, wearable devices, and implantable prostheses. These technologies contribute significantly to enhancing physical capabilities, supporting mobility, and facilitating communication. They also offer solutions for remote interaction, leveraging telemedicine and medical applications through networked systems to extend care beyond traditional settings.

Despite these advancements, several critical issues must be addressed to fully realize the potential of assistive technologies. These include ensuring individual-centered care, personalizing assistive devices to meet specific needs, and improving accessibility. Regulatory frameworks, such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), and international initiatives led by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), are crucial in guiding these developments through awareness, monitoring, and advocacy.

This Special Issue will explore a range of topics, including but not limited to:

Integration of robotics and AI in rehabilitation technologies
Role of wearable devices in enhancing autonomy
Impact of telemedicine on remote care
Challenges in accessibility and the spread of assistive technologies
International standards and regulations for assistive devices
Personalization of assistive solutions based on individual needs
Development of smart environments and ambient assistive technologies
Advances in prosthetics and orthotics for improved functionality
Use of virtual and augmented reality in rehabilitation
Innovations in communication aids for individuals with speech impairments
Ethical considerations in the deployment of assistive technologies
Economic analysis and cost-effectiveness of assistive technologies
User experience and usability studies of assistive devices
Training and education for the effective use of assistive technologies
Collaboration between healthcare providers, technology developers, and patients
Impact of assistive technologies on quality of life and social inclusion
WHO initiatives on assistive technology, including:
- WHO Global Report on Assistive Technology (World Health Organization's comprehensive assessment of global needs and gaps in assistive technology)
- WHO's priorities and action plans for assistive technology (WHO's strategic objectives for improving access to and quality of assistive technologies)
- WHO guidelines and frameworks for implementing assistive technology in healthcare systems (WHO's recommendations for integrating assistive technologies into health systems)
- WHO's role in promoting global access to assistive devices (WHO's efforts to support equitable access to assistive technologies worldwide)
- WHO's partnerships and collaborations for advancing assistive technology (Collaborations with international organizations to enhance assistive technology development and distribution)
Application of ICF in assistive technologies, including:
- Utilization of ICF framework for assessing the impact of assistive technologies on functioning and disability (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework for evaluating how assistive technologies affect various aspects of health and disability)
- Integration of ICF domains (body functions, activities, participation) in the design and evaluation of assistive devices (How ICF's domains guide the development and assessment of assistive technologies)

Prof. Dr. Daniele Giansanti
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Technologies is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

assistive technology
aid
robotics
telemedicine
digital health
artificial intelligence
augmentative and alternative communication
who
ICF
mhealth
ehealth

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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35 pages, 963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Technology Perception in Autism with Separate Analyses for Anxiety and Depression Using Quantum Circuit Simulation Approach

by Gema Benedicto-Rodríguez, Vanessa Zorrilla-Muñoz, Nicolas Garcia-Aracil, Eduardo Fernandez and José Manuel Ferrández

Technologies 2025, 13(4), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13040165 - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: This work explores the current use of technologies and the perception of their impact on people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other comorbidities—Chronic Anxiety (CA) and Chronic Depression (CD). Autistic people often experience anxiety and/or depression. These mental health issues are exacerbated by social stigma, affecting their quality of life (QoL) and well-being. Aims: The study aims to analyze how emerging technologies can reduce communication difficulties, as well as stress, anxiety, and depression, and thus improve QoL for individuals with ASD and comorbidities like CA and CD. Methods: This study analyzes data from the secondary questionnaire ‘Encuesta de Discapacidad, Autonomía Personal y situaciones de Dependencia (EDAD)’ developed in 2020–2021 by the ‘Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE)’ for people with ASD (n = 241), ASD and CA (n = 61), and ASD and CD (n = 29). The analysis includes Pearson correlation tests to examine the relationship between various factors affecting QoL. Results: The results highlight differences in difficulties affecting the QoL of ASD persons. Pearson correlation analysis showed significant negative correlations in communication and learning for ASD patients, with similar patterns in the separate analyses of CA and CD. More significant variables were found in the ‘Learning’ and ‘Communication’ indices for ASD, while CA and CD represented more significant variables in ‘Mobility’ index. Conclusions: This work suggests that technological interventions, such as the integration of advanced technologies, could enhance emotional regulation and social skills in individuals with ASD. In this sense, the quantum computing approach could help in the emerging technologies impact evaluation, analyzing devices adapted to the user to optimize their QoL and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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31 pages, 2939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Multimodal Sensor Systems for Identifying Basic Walking Activities

by John C. Mitchell, Abbas A. Dehghani-Sanij, Sheng Q. Xie and Rory J. O’Connor

Technologies 2025, 13(4), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13040152 - 10 Apr 2025

Viewed by 247

Abstract

Falls are a major health issue in societies globally and the second leading cause of unintentional death worldwide. To address this issue, many studies aim to remotely monitor gait to prevent falls. However, these activity data collected in studies must be labelled with the appropriate environmental context through Human Activity Recognition (HAR). Multimodal HAR datasets often achieve high accuracies at the cost of cumbersome sensor systems, creating a need for these datasets to be analysed to identify the sensor types and locations that enable high-accuracy HAR. This paper analyses four datasets, USC-HAD, HuGaDB, Camargo et al.’s dataset, and CSL-SHARE, to find optimal models, methods, and sensors across multiple datasets. Regarding window size, optimal windows are found to be dependent on the sensor modality of a dataset but mostly occur in the 2–5 s range. Support Vector Machines (SVMs) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are found to be the highest-performing models overall. ANNs are further used to create models trained on the features from individual sensors of each dataset. From this analysis, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and three-axis goniometers are shown to be individually capable of high classification accuracy, with Electromyography (EMG) sensors exhibiting inconsistent and reduced accuracies. Finally, it is shown that the thigh is the optimal location for IMU sensors, with accuracy decreasing as IMUs are placed further down away from the thigh. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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23 pages, 1931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Chatbot Development Using No-Code Platforms by People with Disabilities for Their Peers at a Sheltered Workshop

by Sara Hamideh Kerdar, Britta Marleen Kirchhoff, Lars Adolph and Liane Bächler

Technologies 2025, 13(4), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13040146 - 4 Apr 2025

Viewed by 366

Abstract

No-code (NC) platforms empower individuals without IT experience to create tailored applications and websites. While these platforms are accessible to a broader audience, their usability for people with disabilities remains underexplored. This study investigated whether, with targeted training, people with disabilities could effectively use NC platforms to develop customized tools for their workplace, and whether these tools would be adopted by their peers. Conducted in collaboration with a sheltered workshop in Germany, the study had three phases. Phase I involved a brainstorming session with employees, which shaped the study design and product development. In Phase II, six participants with disabilities received a one-week training to develop chatbots. Phase III implemented the chatbots in the workshop. In Phase II, each participant successfully developed four chatbots, which increased the participants’ skills and motivation. Based on the phase III results, users rated the developed chatbots highly (the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire was delivered in the form of a chatbot), indicating their user-friendliness (M = 88.9, SD = 11.2). This study suggests that with appropriate training, individuals with disabilities can use NC platforms to create impactful, customized tools that are user-friendly and accessible to their peers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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10 pages, 208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Personalized Rehabilitation Programs for Head and Neck Surgery Patients

by Gianluca Marcaccini, Ishith Seth, Jennifer Novo, Vicki McClure, Brett Sacks, Kaiyang Lim, Sally Kiu-Huen Ng, Roberto Cuomo and Warren M. Rozen

Technologies 2025, 13(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13040142 - 4 Apr 2025

Viewed by 290

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) are increasingly used in healthcare, with applications in clinical decision-making and workflow optimization. In head and neck surgery, postoperative rehabilitation is a complex, multidisciplinary process requiring personalized care. This study evaluates the feasibility of using LLMs to generate tailored rehabilitation programs for patients undergoing major head and neck surgical procedures. Methods: Ten hypothetical head and neck surgical clinical scenarios were developed, representing oncologic resections with complex reconstructions. Four LLMs, ChatGPT-4o, DeepSeek V3, Gemini 2, and Copilot, were prompted with identical queries to generate rehabilitation plans. Three senior clinicians independently assessed their quality, accuracy, and clinical relevance using a five-point Likert scale. Readability and quality metrics, including the DISCERN score, Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, and Coleman–Liau Index, were applied. Results: ChatGPT-4o achieved the highest clinical relevance (Likert mean of 4.90 ± 0.32), followed by DeepSeek V3 (4.00 ± 0.82) and Gemini 2 (3.90 ± 0.74), while Copilot underperformed (2.70 ± 0.82). Gemini 2 produced the most readable content. A statistical analysis confirmed significant differences across the models (p < 0.001). Conclusions: LLMs can generate rehabilitation programs with varying quality and readability. ChatGPT-4o produced the most clinically relevant plans, while Gemini 2 generated more readable content. AI-generated rehabilitation plans may complement existing protocols, but further clinical validation is necessary to assess their impact on patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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32 pages, 12463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuro-Visual Adaptive Control for Precision in Robot-Assisted Surgery

by Claudio Urrea, Yainet Garcia-Garcia, John Kern and Reinier Rodriguez-Guillen

Technologies 2025, 13(4), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13040135 - 1 Apr 2025

Viewed by 205

Abstract

This study introduces a Neuro-Visual Adaptive Control (NVAC) architecture designed to enhance precision and safety in robot-assisted surgery. The proposed system enables semi-autonomous guidance of the laparoscope based on image input. To achieve this, the architecture integrates the following: (1) a computer vision system based on the YOLO11n model, which detects surgical instruments in real time; (2) a Model Reference Adaptive Control with Proportional–Derivative terms (MRAC-PD), which adjusts the robot’s behavior in response to environmental changes; and (3) Closed-Form Continuous-Time Neural Networks (CfC-mmRNNs), which efficiently model the system’s dynamics. These networks address common deep learning challenges, such as the vanishing gradient problem, and facilitate the generation of smooth control signals that minimize wear on the robot’s actuators. Performance evaluations were conducted in CoppeliaSim, utilizing real cholecystectomy images featuring surgical tools. Experimental results demonstrate that the NVAC achieves maximum tracking errors of 1.80 × 10⁻³ m, 1.08 × 10⁻⁴ m, and 1.90 × 10⁻³ m along the x, y, and z axes, respectively, under highly significant dynamic disturbances. This hybrid approach provides a scalable framework for advancing autonomy in robotic surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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17 pages, 3872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technology to Enable People with Intellectual Disabilities and Blindness to Collect Boxes with Objects and Transport Them to Different Rooms of Their Daily Context: A Single-Case Research Series

by Giulio E. Lancioni, Gloria Alberti, Francesco Pezzuoli, Fabiana Abbinante, Nirbhay N. Singh, Mark F. O’Reilly and Jeff Sigafoos

Technologies 2025, 13(4), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13040131 - 31 Mar 2025

Viewed by 210

Abstract

(1) Background: People with intellectual disabilities and blindness tend to be withdrawn and sedentary. This study was carried out to assess a new technology system to enable seven of these people to collect boxes containing different sets of objects from a storage room and transport them to the appropriate destination rooms. (2) Methods: The technology system used for the study involved tags with radio frequency identification codes, a tag reader, a smartphone, and mini speakers. At the start of a session, the participants were called by the system to take a box from the storage room. Once they collected a box, the system identified the tags attached to the box, called the participants to the room where the box was to be transported and delivered, and provided them with preferred music stimulation. The same process was followed for each of the other boxes available in the session. (3) Results: During baseline sessions without the system, the mean frequency of boxes handled correctly (collected, transported, and put away without research assistants’ guidance) was zero or virtually zero. During the intervention sessions with the system, the participants’ mean frequency of boxes handled correctly increased to between about 10 and 15 per session. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that the new technology system might be helpful for people like the participants of this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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25 pages, 42227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“The Foot Can Do It”: Controlling the “Persistence” Prosthetic Arm Using the “Infinity-2” Foot Controller

by Peter L. Bishay, Gerbert Funes Alfaro, Ian Sherrill, Isaiah Reoyo, Elihu McMahon, Camron Carter, Cristian Valdez, Naweeth M. Riyaz, Sara Ali, Adrian Lima, Abel Nieto and Jared Tirone

Technologies 2025, 13(3), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13030098 - 1 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1152

Abstract

The “Infinity” foot controller for controlling prosthetic arms has been improved in this paper in several ways, including a foot sleeve that enables barefoot use, an improved sensor-controller unit design, and a more intuitive control scheme that allows gradual control of finger actuation. Furthermore, the “Persistence Arm”, a novel transradial prosthetic arm prototype, is introduced. This below-the-elbow arm has a direct-drive wrist actuation system, a thumb design with two degrees of freedom, and carbon fiber tendons for actuating the four forefingers. The manufactured prototype arm and foot controller underwent various tests to verify their efficacy. Wireless transmission speed tests showed that the maximum time delay is less than 165 ms, giving almost instantaneous response from the arm to any user’s foot control signal. Gripping tests quantified the grip and pulling forces of the arm prototype as 2.8 and 12.7 kg, respectively. The arm successfully gripped various household items of different shapes, weights, and sizes. These results highlight the potential of foot control as an alternative prosthetic arm control method and the possibility of new 3D-printed prosthetic arm designs to replace costly prostheses in the market, which could potentially reduce the high rejection rates of upper limb prostheses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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33 pages, 1641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transforming Telemedicine: Strategic Lessons and Metrics from Italy’s Telemechron Project (Telemechron Study)

by Sara Jayousi, Martina Cinelli, Roberto Bigazzi, Stefano Bianchi, Simonetta Scalvini, Gabriella Borghi, Palmira Bernocchi, Sandro Inchiostro, Alexia Giovanazzi, Marina Mastellaro, Maria Adalgisa Gentilini, Lorenzo Gios, Mauro Grigioni, Carla Daniele, Giuseppe D’Avenio, Sandra Morelli and Daniele Giansanti

Technologies 2025, 13(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13020044 - 23 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1412

Abstract

Background: The Telemechron project addresses critical needs in telemedicine by evaluating technology assessment frameworks and key performance indicators (KPIs), among other objectives. Effective frameworks and KPIs are crucial for assessing telemedicine services, especially in terms of their impact on patient outcomes and service efficiency. Methods: This study adopted a dual approach to assess the contributions of the Telemechron project. Firstly, it applied a technology assessment framework to quantitatively evaluate telemedicine services, focusing on measurable improvements and systematic analysis. Secondly, it investigated a set of predefined KPIs using specific metrics and parameters to evaluate their applicability and limitations in telemedicine settings. Results and Discussion: The technology assessment framework demonstrated significant utility by providing structured, quantifiable improvements across key aspects of telemedicine services. It was effective in evaluating the alignment of services with strategic goals and their integration with existing healthcare systems. The predefined KPIs, although not developed within this study and not directly used by the different operational units (OUs)—which established their own context-specific KPIs—still provided valuable insights into telemedicine performance. However, the study revealed that these KPIs highlighted a need for further customization to enhance their relevance across various contexts. While the KPIs may offer useful performance indicators, their general applicability necessitated adjustments to better address the specific needs of telemedicine applications. The analysis model for the KPI set, in terms of metrics and parameters, is exportable and generalizable to other national and international telemedicine contexts. Conclusions: The study confirms the effectiveness of the framework in delivering measurable improvements in telemedicine services and underscores the importance of adapting KPIs for specific contexts. Future research should focus on further applying and expanding the framework and metrics, refining KPI models, integrating new technologies, and conducting cross-national comparisons to enhance the applicability and effectiveness of telemedicine evaluations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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13 pages, 5005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pneumatically Actuated Rehabilitation Equipment for the Sagittal and Frontal Plane Movements of the Neck Joint

by Sarah Mareş, Andrea Deaconescu and Tudor Deaconescu

Technologies 2025, 13(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13010039 - 16 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1389

Abstract

The timely reintegration into their daily routine of patients suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders is a priority in medical rehabilitation. This can be accomplished by means of certain procedures and adequate medical rehabilitation equipment. Starting from these considerations this paper proposes an original constructive solution of a rehabilitation device designed for the passive mobilization of the neck joint in the sagittal and frontal plane. The constructive solution that is put forward uses a pneumatic muscle as the actuation element, ensuring the adaptability of the equipment to the particular pain tolerance of each patient. The construction and dimensioning calculations of the equipment are presented, followed by the determination of the torsional rigidity and compliance permitted by the system. Based on the results the paper concludes with recommendations for the optimum deployment of the rehabilitation equipment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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16 pages, 1894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Sport Watch Usage: The Dominant Role of Technology Readiness over Exercise Motivation and Sensation Seeking

by Gershon Tenenbaum, Tomer Ben-Zion, Yair Amichai-Hamburger, Yair Galily and Assaf Lev

Technologies 2025, 13(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13010024 - 7 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1504

Abstract

The study examines the link between technology readiness/acceptance, motivation for exercising, and sensation seeking and using or avoiding Smart Sport Watches (SSW). A sample of 315 adolescents, Mage = 29.6 (SD = 11.01) and healthy male (n = 95, 30.2%) and female (n = 179, 56.85%), completed all the measures of these variables’ dimensions via the internet. Multiple followed by univariate analyses of variance (MANOVA, ANOVA) were performed for each of the study’s psychological dimensions and single variables. The two categorical factors (e.g., BS factors) were the use of SSW (yes/no) and walk/run (yes/no). Results revealed that adolescents using SSW rated themselves significantly (p < 0.05) and substantially higher than their non-SSW users on positive readiness for technology (d = 0.47), and specifically on optimism (d = 0.34) and innovation (d = 0.51). Moreover, users of SSW reported significantly (p < 0.05) and substantially lower negative readiness for technology than their non-SSW users’ counterparts (d = −0.49), and specifically on discomfort (d = −0.38) and distrust (d = −50), but neither on the overall motivation for exercise dimensions nor on sensation-seeking. Moreover, adolescents who walk/run reported being more internally motivated (d = 0.38), integrated (d = 0.61), and identified (d = 0.34) than their sedentary counterparts. Discussion centers on the important role of readiness/acceptance in using technological devices and the need to use technology-specific motivation and personality measures to further explore this phenomenon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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Review

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20 pages, 3149 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Landscape of Virtual Reality Use in Mobility Rehabilitation from 2010–2023: A Scoping Review

by Danielle T. Felsberg, Reza Pousti, Charlend K. Howard, Scott E. Ross, Louisa D. Raisbeck, Jared T. McGuirt and Christopher K. Rhea

Technologies 2025, 13(5), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13050167 - 22 Apr 2025

Abstract

Significant advancements in virtual reality (VR) technology have occurred in the past decade, allowing clinical researchers to take advantage of these reduced barriers to explore the use of VR in patient populations. This scoping review on VR interventions to improve mobility in adults and children focuses on the literature from 2010–2023. A total of 2736 articles were screened and 126 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were conducted in inpatient clinical settings (n = 41) and investigated VR interventions to improve balance (n = 118). Less immersive (n = 108) products such as Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect were primarily used. Additionally, 37.0% of studies (n = 47) used off-the-shelf programs like Wii Fit Plus and 73.2% of studies (n = 93) found statistically significant improvements in motor outcomes following VR intervention. The articles included in this review suggest that the majority of VR research for physical rehabilitation is being performed in clinical settings. Most studies reported statistically significant improvements in their outcome variables following VR intervention. These observations demonstrate that research in this area is moving beyond proof-of-concept and toward translation to clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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51 pages, 26899 KiB

Open AccessReview

Robotic Systems for Hand Rehabilitation—Past, Present and Future

by Bogdan Gherman, Ionut Zima, Calin Vaida, Paul Tucan, Adrian Pisla, Iosif Birlescu, Jose Machado and Doina Pisla

Technologies 2025, 13(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13010037 - 16 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4328

Abstract

Background: Cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis represent significant neurological conditions affecting millions globally. Stroke remains the third leading cause of death worldwide and significantly impacts patients’ hand functionality, making hand rehabilitation crucial for improving quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted analyzing over 300 papers, and categorizing them based on mechanical design, mobility, and actuation systems. To evaluate each device, a database with 45 distinct criteria was developed to systematically assess their characteristics. Results: The analysis revealed three main categories of devices: rigid exoskeletons, soft exoskeletons, and hybrid devices. Electric actuation represents the most common source of power. The dorsal placement of the mechanism is predominant, followed by glove-based, lateral, and palmar configurations. A correlation between mass and functionality was observed during the analysis; an increase in the number of actuated fingers or in functionality automatically increases the mass of the device. The research shows significant technological evolution with considerable variation in design complexity, with 29.4% of devices using five or more actuators while 24.8% employ one or two actuators. Conclusions: While substantial progress has been made in recent years, several challenges persist, including missing information or incomplete data from source papers and a limited number of clinical studies to evaluate device effectiveness. Significant opportunities remain to improve device functionality, usability, and therapeutic effectiveness, as well as to implement advanced power systems for portable devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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53 pages, 2538 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Assistive and Emerging Technologies to Detect and Reduce Neurophysiological Stress and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders: A Systematic Review

by Pantelis Pergantis, Victoria Bamicha, Aikaterini Doulou, Antonios I. Christou, Nikolaos Bardis, Charalabos Skianis and Athanasios Drigas

Technologies 2025, 13(4), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13040144 - 4 Apr 2025

Viewed by 964

Abstract

This systematic review aims to investigate the ways in which assistive and developing technologies can help children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience less stress and neurophysiological distress. According to recent CDC data, the prevalence of ASD in the United States has climbed to 1 in 36 children. The symptoms of ASD can manifest in a wide range of ways, and the illness itself exhibits significant variations. Furthermore, it has been closely linked to experiencing stress and worry in one’s life, which many people refer to as sensory processing disorder (SPD). SPD is a disorder that describes how people behave when they are exposed to environmental stimuli that they may not normally process by feeling more intense than what is causing them to worry and distress. One of the most significant limiting factors that can prevent someone from engaging in what they need to do in their everyday lives is stress. Individuals with ASD deal with stress on a regular basis, which has a big impact on how they function. In order to address a significant research vacuum concerning the use of assistive and emerging technologies to reduce stress in individuals with ASD, this systematic review aims to investigate performance, measuring techniques, and interventions by gathering data from the past 10 years. In order to determine the research hypothesis, particular research questions, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the studies, the research process entails gathering studies through systematic review analysis in accordance with the PRISMA principles. Experimental and observational studies on the use of assistive and emerging technologies for stress and anxiety management in children and adolescents with ASD that were published only in English met the inclusion criteria. Research not directly related to stress and anxiety outcomes, articles published in languages other than English, and research conducted outside of the designated time frame were also excluded. The study’s findings demonstrated that the technologies under examination had beneficial impacts on reducing stress; nonetheless, notable limitations were found that could compromise the replication and generalizability of legitimate and dependable applications in their utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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28 pages, 1343 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Indoor Environmental Monitoring and Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Systematic Review

by Patricia Camacho-Magriñán, Diego Sales-Lerida, Antonio León-Jiménez and Daniel Sanchez-Morillo

Technologies 2025, 13(3), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13030122 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 449

Abstract

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), which include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, are significant global health issues, with air quality playing a vital role in exacerbating these conditions. This systematic review explores how monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ) can help manage and reduce respiratory exacerbations in CRD patients. A search of the Web of Science database, yielding 301 articles, was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Of these, 60 met the inclusion criteria, and after screening, 21 articles were analyzed. The review identified substantial gaps in current research: the lack of standardization in IAQ monitoring; the need for considering geographic variability and for long-term longitudinal studies; and the importance of linking monitored air quality data with respiratory health indicators. It also stressed the importance of considering the heterogeneity of patients in the methodological study design, as well as the convenience of introducing recommendation systems to assess the true impact of corrective measures on indoor air quality in the homes of chronic respiratory patients. The integration of home-based IAQ monitoring with machine learning techniques to enhance our understanding of the relationship between IAQ and respiratory health is emerging as a key area for future research. Addressing all these challenges has the potential to mitigate the impact of CRD and improve the quality of life for patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives)

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