Quality of Life Technology Project

Principal Investigator: Rory A. Cooper, PhD

Co-Investigator: Dan Ding, PhD

Funding Source: Pittsburgh Life Science Greenhouse          

2006-2008

Projects:

Evaluation of the ATRS (Automated Transport and Retrieval System)

Principal Investigator/s: Michael Pramuka, PhD

Co-Investigator/s: Michelle Sporner, BS; Annmarie Kelleher, MS, OTR/L, ATP; Emily Teodorski, BS

There are an estimated 6.8 million people currently use assistive devices for their daily mobility in the United States. More specifically, almost 1.7 million of these individuals use wheelchairs. The remaining 5.1 million individuals who use canes, crutches, and walkers today are tomorrow’s wheelchair users. The use of wheelchairs increased over 96 percent between 1980 and 1990 alone. This population has created a demand for assistive technologies to increase independence and enhance opportunities for wheelchair users, especially transportation. 

The Automated Transport and Retrieval System (ATRS) is designed to provide individuals with mobility limitations a mode of transportation that would eliminate the need for human assistance and would not require significant modifications to an automobile.  The ATRS “integrates machine vision and robotics technology with existing mobility products into a cost-effective solution for true independent transportation mobility.  The system includes a platform lift and dock, an articulating automotive seat, and a set of hardware and software for remote manual and computer assisted control of a power wheelchair”.

This goal of this study was to complete a needs assessment for such a device and evaluate possible solutions to the problem of transportation.  Additionally, we wanted to determine what the barriers subjects have to independent use of transportation and to participation in activities outside of the home (recreation, employment).  Utilizing a cross sectional study, this project collected data from individuals who use power wheelchairs, or scooters and subjects were recruited using the Human Engineering Research Laboratories Registry Database. 

Research protocol was approved by the University of Pittsburgh IRB and the study has closed.  Final recruitment for this study was102 persons who use power wheelchairs or scooters agreed to participate in this study.  Data analysis showed that the mean age of all participants was 51.2±13.5 years and years since injury or diagnosis of 29.0±17.5 years.  Fifty-three percent of the population was male and 89% were Caucasian.  The disabilities represented in this population included tetraplegia (26%), multiple sclerosis (18%), other (13%), cerebral palsy (12%), paraplegia (8%), muscular dystrophy (7%), rheumatoid arthritis (6%), post-polio (5%), spina bifida (2%), spinal muscular atrophy (2%), and amputation (2%).  Thirty-three percent are currently unemployed and 81% receive some form of disability income.  Additionally, 52% of the population drives a private vehicle with 71% transferring into the vehicle seat.  Eighty-nine percent ride as a passenger in a motor vehicle and 39% of these individuals transfer to the vehicle seat.  Overall, 39% of the population experiences some difficulties with their transportation.  In general, 73% are interested in ATRS.

Significant correlations were found between health related quality of life and community integration scores (Community Integration Questionnaire). Individuals who are employed have a significantly better HRQoL than individuals who are unemployed. No significant differences were found on the basis of self-reported transportation difficulties.

Employment rates for persons who use power wheelchairs are related to the individual’s health related quality of life. While previous research has shown that independent transportation is essential to employment for persons with disabilities, this study has shown that individuals who do not experience self-reported transportation difficulties have no difference in employment rates than individuals who experience transportation difficulties.

With respect to the Automated Transport and Retrevial System, we found that individuals found the product to have the potential to increase independence and to provide more transportation options to individuals who use power wheelchairs. While most individuals feel it would be an assest, the system requires transferring and creates a problem for those who cannot transfer. Additionally, many individuals are cautious of new technology until it has been deemed reliable and the cost may prohibit individuals from purchasing this technology.

We were able to determine the need for an automated transport and retrieval system that enables individuals to use their motor vehicles independently, determine what the barriers are to independent use of transportation for people who use wheelchairs, and to establish barriers to participation in activities outside of the home (recreation, employment).  This study has allowed us to better understand what limitations individuals who use power wheelchairs face with respect to their transportation needs.