Case Studies for the paper: 'Service user perspectives on the future of mobility assistive devices: Understanding user’s assistive device experiences and needs

Cramp, Mary; Morris, Leah; Turton, Ailie

Abstract

Purpose: Current assistive devices are inadequate in addressing the needs of some people living with impaired mobility. This study explored the experiences of living with impaired mobility in relation to how wearable assistive adaptive and rehabilitative technologies may improve their quality of life.
Materials and methods: A cross-case study approach was adopted; the case being defined as the experience of impaired mobility. Semi-structured interviews were utilised. The sample (n=8) was purposefully selected to have impaired mobility due to stroke, age-related frailty, or lower limb amputation. From the interview transcripts, in-depth case illustrations were written to provide personal stories and thematic analysis was carried out to provide a cross-case analysis.
Results: There were two overarching themes: lifestyle changes; and wishes and desires for assistive devices. There were shared experiences across participant groups, such as falls and fear of falling which limited some participants from leaving their homes. Increased speed of walking was identified as an important wish, but for different reasons between participants. Participants wanted devices to be adjustable to their mobility-level on a day-to-day basis.
Conclusion: Although common concerns and impacts of living with impaired mobility were apparent, individuals have unique requirements that should inform the design of assistive technology devices.

• Digital Artefact Type: Website Content
• Deposit Date: Apr 22, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: May 18, 2022
• Keywords: impaired mobility, independent living, rehabilitation, stroke, amputation
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7278673
• Additional Information: Case studies to accompany the paper 'Perspectives of living with impaired mobility: A qualitative study exploring service-user needs in designing assistive technology for improving mobility and independent living', submitted in The Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering (RATE).
• External URL: https://therighttrousers.com/