Bo-Ra Kang

Background: Numerous stroke survivors reintegrating into the community experience cognitive challenges that restrict their engagement, subsequently contributing to additional cognitive decline and adversely affecting their quality of life. Objective: This study seeks to feasibility a cognitive training system based on virtual reality with a smart mirror designed for cognitive disabled persons with chronic stroke in the community setting. Methods: Ten cognitive disabled persons with chronic stroke aged 60 years older, each with independent mobility in the community, were involved in this study. The validation process included a 30-min cognitive training session administered twice a week for eight weeks. The feasibility of cognitive function assessments employed the MoCA-K and CoSAS. Additionally, a usability test was performed at the end of the experiment using SUS and the Adapted IMI. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was then employed to compare pre- and post-cognitive function results. Results: The feasibility of the implemented cognitive training system based on virtual reality with smart mirror revealed significant differences in the total score, delayed recall, and orientation items of the MoCA-K (p < 0.05). Additionally, a notable improvement was observed in the accuracy and response time of task performance in the CoSAS (p < 0.05). Usability test results indicated an SUS mean score of 73.5 (SD 17.25) and an Adapted IMI score of 5.63 (SD 1.55), surpassing suggested thresholds for usability tests. Conclusions: Providing a cognitive training system tailored for the community, this approach aims to the prevention and recovery of cognitive issues in the older cognitive disabled persons with chronic stroke.

BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is a prevalent consequence among individuals following a stroke. Numerous stroke survivors reintegrating into the community experience cognitive challenges that restrict their engagement, subsequently contributing to additional cognitive decline and adversely affecting their quality of life. This study seeks to feasibility a cognitive training system based on smart mirror designed for chronic stroke patients residing in the community and usability test of the associated training equipment. OBJECTIVE The cognitive training system based on smart mirror developed in this study caters specifically to older adults, incorporating training modules for orientation, memory, attention, visual perception, and high cognition. It also integrates kiosk-based activities relevant to daily life and dual-task training, creating a VR environment to stimulate cognitive functions in both community-dwelling older individuals and stroke patients. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and usability of the developed cognitive training system based on smart mirror, confirming its utility, acceptability, and consistency as a consumer-centric system leveraging ICT technology. METHODS Ten chronic stroke patients aged 60 years or older, each with independent mobility in the community, were involved in this study. The validation process included a 30-minute cognitive training session administered twice a week for eight weeks. The training regimen encompassed a blend of targeted cognitive domain exercises and virtual reality training. The feasibility of cognitive function assessments employed the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K) and the Cognitive Assessment System for the Elderly (CoSAS). Pre- and post-test results were compared. Additionally, usability test was performed at the end of the experiment using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Adapted Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI). Statistical analyses for cognitive function involved calculating mean and standard deviation values for all variables using the SPSS program. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was then employed to compare pre- and post-cognitive function results. RESULTS The feasibility of the implemented cognitive training system based on smart mirror revealed significant differences in the total score, delayed recall, and orientation items of the MoCA-K (P<.05). Additionally, a notable improvement was observed in the accuracy and response time of task performance in the CoSAS (P<.05). Usability test results indicated an SUS mean score of 73.5 (SD 17.25) and an Adapted IMI score of 5.63 (SD 1.55), surpassing suggested thresholds for usability tests. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes of the feasibility and usability test affirm the utility, safety, and motivational aspects of the developed cognitive training system based on smart mirror. Consequently, we advocate for further validation of the training system’s efficacy and usability through clinical trials, specifically targeting groups aiming to enhance cognitive function. CLINICALTRIAL -

Background. People with disabilities face considerable obstacles when exercising, which precludes them from the social and health benefits of physical activity. Especially for individuals with paraplegia with spinal cord injuries, it is necessary to maintain continuous participation in physical activity even after discharge, as it helps to maintain mobility and daily living activities through upper body strength. However, the participation rate of people with disabilities in physical activity in Korea is still low, mainly due to the lack of exercise equipment and facilities. Objectives. The aim of this study is to identify aspects that can be improved for better accessibility to exercise equipment for individuals with paraplegia with spinal cord injuries and to reach a consensus on possible guidelines for accessible exercise equipment. Methods. This study reviews and evaluated the usability of four existing upper-body exercise equipment for individuals with paraplegia with spinal cord injuries. To assess usability, task performance scores and time were measured, and a survey was conducted on safety and satisfaction. Based on these results, areas for improvement were identified. Through literature review, usability results, and opinions from various stakeholders, eight requirements for universal accessibility were proposed. Results. It is necessary to consider how wheelchair users access the exercise equipment. The access method to the exercise area (facility regulations, auxiliary equipment to be provided, etc.) and placement of exercise equipment should also be considered. Information such as explanations of the exercise equipment and how to use it should be located within the wheelchair users field of vision. Considering the participation rate in sports for people with disabilities in Korea, it is necessary to explain the exact exercise equipment and exercise method. It is also necessary to consider how wheelchair users transfer from the wheelchair to the seat of the exercise equipment. Parts that require manipulation of each exercise equipment must be within the wheelchair users range of motion. Various supports or assistive devices that provide body support according to each piece of equipment are needed. In addition to the wheelchairs own brake, it is necessary to provide a fixing device so that the wheelchair does not move during the exercise. Conclusion. For people with spinal cord injuries, the arm ergometer, aerobic exercise equipment, showed higher scores in performance, stability, and satisfaction compared to other exercise equipment. Among the strength exercise equipment, shoulder press had an effect on performance, seated lat pull-down had an effect on stability, and seated chest press had an effect on satisfaction. Therefore, when selecting exercise equipment, it is necessary to recommend aerobic and strength exercise equipment according to the preferences of people with spinal cord injuries. When developing strength exercise equipment, it is necessary to consider usability evaluation factors for individuals with spinal cord injury.

학술논문검색사이트 KISS는 학술논문,연구논문,연구자료,학술지 등 다양한 자료를 서비스하며, 주제별, 등재별, 인용지수, 인기논문, 이슈논문 등 다양한 키워드의 논문을 제공하여 빠른 학술검색 및 인용이 가능하도록 서비스합니다.

Purpose: The present study intended to compare the effects on the female body of high-heeled shoe types, including regular high heels, wedge heels, and platform heels, with those of sneakers during level walking by examining muscular activity in the lower limbs. Materials and Methods: Participants were 20 women in their 20s or 30s who regularly wear different types of size 8 (US size). The heel height tested was 7 cm, and electromyographic muscular activation (% maximal voluntary isometric contraction) was measured in the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and semitendinosus muscles of participants’ dominant legs during walking 15 m at a self–selected walking velocity step speed. Results: Rectus femoris revealed significant electromyographic differences among shoe types in terms of muscular activation (p = .013). Multiple comparisons among shoe types and activation of various muscles were carried out. These showed significant (p < .05) differences in rectus femoris muscular activation among shoe types, most notably between sneakers and platform heels (average -15.69 (SD = 4.22) (p = .002)) and between sneakers and high heels (average 13.83 (SD = 4.22) (p = .010)). Conclusion: Results obtained revealed significant variation in muscular activation of rectus femoris among shoe types. Multiple pairwise comparisons of the differences in muscular activation of rectus femoris revealed significant differences between sneakers and high heeled shoes and between sneakers and platform heels. Therefore, the results of the present study are expected to be beneficial for ordinary individuals in selecting appropriate types of shoes that reduce the level of the muscle activation.