Equipment and assistive technology
Souza A, Kelleher A, Cooper R, et al. Multiple sclerosis and mobility-related assistive technology: Systematic review of literature. J Rehabil Res Dev 2010; 47(3):213-224.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes a wide variety of neurological deficits, with ambulatory impairment the most obvious cause of disability. To facilitate mobility, persons with MS frequently use mobility assistive technology (MAT), such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters. Article systematically reviews the published literature on MAT use among persons with MS.
Sawatzky B, Denison I, Tawashy A. The segway for people with disabilities: meeting clients' mobility goals. Am J Phy Med Rehabil 2009; 88 (6): 484-490.
The goal of this study was to determine how the Segway compares to clients' current method of mobility in meeting their specific mobility goals. It included 10 subjects with a wide range of disabilities including MS who were able to walk at least 6 m with or without assistance. Subjects navigated a 25m obstacle course with their current mobility devices and then the Segway
Johnson KL, Bamer AM, Yorkston KM, et al. Use of cognitive aids and other assistive technology by individuals with multiple sclerosis. Disability and rehabilitation: Assistive technology 2009; 4(1): 1-8
Study investigated the use of assistive technology (AT), unmet needs for AT, and examines the correlates of use of memory aids and cognitive strategies among individuals with MS
Beer S, Aschbacher B, Manoglou D, et al. Robot-assisted gait training in multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized trial. Mult Scler 2008; 14 (2): 231-236
Pilot study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in MS patients with severe walking disabilities (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] 6.0-7.5). A group of 35 stable MS patients received 15 sessions over three weeks. Study concluded that RAGT may be an effective therapeutic option in MS patients with severe walking disabilities but urges further larger studies in this area
Gentry T. PDAs as cognitive aids for people with multiple sclerosis. Am J Occup Ther 2008; 62 (1): 18-27.
This study evaluated the effects of an occupational therapy training protocol using personal digital assistants (PDAs) as assistive technology for people with cognitive impairment related to MS. The findings provide evidence of an association between an intervention providing training in the use of a PDA and improvements in the everyday function of people with cognitive impairment related to MS.
Verza R, Carvalho ML, Battaglia MA, Uccelli MM. An interdisciplinary approach to evaluating the need for assistive technology reduces equipment abandonment. Mult Scler 2006;12(1):88-93.
Equipment prescription and use was analysed over a period of time depending on whether it had been recommended by a doctor alone or by a multidisciplinary team. The team approach improved patient retention of equipment although around 10% of people continued to discard equipment within one year.
Blake DJ, Bodine C. An overview of assistive technology for people with multiple sclerosis. J Rehabil Research Development 2002;39(2):299-312.
Reviews equipment currently available for people with MS.