Experimental Evaluation of Wheelchair-Mounted Robotic Arms

Completed

Conditions studied: Spinal Cord Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis

In brief

Researchers from the University of South Florida's Rehabilitation Engineering program are looking for volunteers to participate in a research study for experimental evaluation of wheelchair-mounted robotic arms (WMRAs). Participants will operate commercially available and developmental WMRAs in a physical test environment. The study will serve to identify desirable design features of WMRAs and input devices so that future production systems may further increase the quality of life of potential users. The study will also promote both the justification of prescribing WMRAs to enhance quality of life through the proposed standard testing method, and awareness for the emerging assistive robotics industry.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT01652352

Run by

University of South Florida

People needed

20

Starts

2010-08-01

Expected to finish

2011-07-01

Last updated by the study team

2012-07-30

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 60. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Be between the ages of 18 and 60
• Have an injury or condition resulting in power wheelchair dependence
• Consent to disclose pertinent medical information for purposes of determining level of mobility
• Possess physical dexterity and capacity to operate the following devices:
• 16 button numeric keypad - dimensions: 3inch by 3inch square
• Touch screen tablet PC - dimensions: 15inch (diagonal)
• SpaceNavigator 3D joystick - movements: push, pull, lift, press, twist
• Standard joystick - movements: push, pull
• Chin joystick - movements: push, pull
• Possess capacity to understand the objective of each task, including but not limited to turning on a light switch, opening a cabinet, moving a cup from a table top to the participant's mouth, and opening a door
• Demonstrate the ability to understand, or become familiar with the basic function of both the input device and WMRA
• Spend up to four (4) hours, at one time, in the laboratory located at:
• Rehabilitation Robotics and Prosthetics Testbed (RRT) 13335 Laurel Drive Tampa, FL 33620
• Consent to having a test platform temporarily attached to the participant's wheelchair. The attachment will use soft nylon straps and in no way inflict damage to the participant's property
• Sign an informed consent form

Where it is running

• Rehabilitation Robotics and Prosthetics Testbed — Tampa, Florida, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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