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Applied Sciences
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Assistive Technologies for Rehabilitation: Challenges and Applications
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Assistive Technologies for Rehabilitation: Challenges and Applications

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Robotics and Automation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 4490

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Thais Pousada

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15001 A Coruña, Spain
Interests: assistive technology; low-cost; outcome measures; health behavior, chronic disease and health promotion; innovation and creativity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Gabriella Facchinetti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Reasearch Unit of Nursing Sciences, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
Interests: undergraduate medical education (simulation, medical humanities, narrative medicine, visual thinking strategies); geriatric care; patient continuity of care; palliative care
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Assistive technologies (ATs) have an important role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Assistive devices are defined by the 2023 ISO standard as "any product (including devices, equipment, instruments, and software) specially designed or manufactured to enable or facilitate participation and enhance the functioning of persons with disabilities." These tools have garnered increasing attention in research during recent years due to their impact on patients’ quality of life and their potential applications regarding outcome measures.

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of robust outcome measures in assessing the efficacy of ATs. These tools encompass various domains, such as functionality, independence, social inclusion, and overall well-being. By employing standardized metrics and patient-reported outcomes, researchers are aiming to provide comprehensive evaluations of assistive technologies´ effectiveness in meeting users' needs and improving their daily lives.

Moreover, there is a pressing need for continued research to advance assistive technologies and their integration into daily living. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and sensor-based systems hold immense promise in revolutionizing AT, making them more intuitive, personalized, and effective. By harnessing these innovations, researchers strive to develop cutting-edge solutions that not only address the specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities but also foster preventive measures to reduce potential barriers and enhance the complete inclusion.

In summary, the ongoing research endeavors in outcomes measures and technological innovations underscore the pivotal role of assistive technologies in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. By advancing our understanding and refining the efficacy of these tools, we can strive towards a more inclusive and accessible society.

Through this Special Issue, in order to spread the evidence emerging from this topic and to optimize the quality of interventions, we will welcome the submissions of papers focused on the applications of innovation techniques, outcome measures, and good practices in the field of ATs.

Dr. Thais Pousada
Dr. Gabriella Facchinetti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • assistive technologies
  • health behavior
  • health promotion
  • rehabilitation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1325 KiB  
Article
Going for a Walk: An Empirical Study of Route Learning Training and Its Effects on Mental and Physical Fitness in Patients with Korsakoff Syndrome
by Albert Postma, Lobke Bulk, Fé Hermens, Machteld Vogel and Erik Oudman
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4172; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084172 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
Korsakoff syndrome (KS) is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder caused by severe thiamine deficiency. The syndrome is characterized by deficits in explicit memory and executive functions. These impairments severely limit patients with KS in their daily activities like visiting new and familiar places. The [...] Read more.
Korsakoff syndrome (KS) is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder caused by severe thiamine deficiency. The syndrome is characterized by deficits in explicit memory and executive functions. These impairments severely limit patients with KS in their daily activities like visiting new and familiar places. The aim of the present study was to examine whether patients with KS are still able to learn a route, despite their cognitive impairments. We compared three route learning methods across three groups of patients with KS: passively following the experimenter (PL), trial-and-error learning (TEL), and errorless learning (EL). In the EL group, the participants had to walk towards a landmark that was shown on a tablet by the experimenter, and upon arrival, they had to find and walk towards the next landmark shown by the experimenter. Over 12 training sessions all participants showed improved route retracing performance. There was no difference between the three groups. Moreover, the results indicated positive effects of the walking training on quality of life, physical fitness, and attentional functioning. These promising findings imply that walking training may be beneficial for various aspects of amnestic patients’ daily functioning. It is therefore recommended to integrate route training into standard care for patients with KS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies for Rehabilitation: Challenges and Applications)
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17 pages, 1816 KiB  
Article
Active Gait Retraining with Lower Limb Exoskeleton Based on Robust Force Control
by Yukio Rosales-Luengas, Sergio Salazar, Saúl J. Rangel-Popoca, Yahel Cortés-García, Jonathan Flores and Rogelio Lozano
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 4032; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15074032 - 6 Apr 2025
Viewed by 328
Abstract
This article addresses the design of a robust inner and outer loop controller for active gait retraining in individuals with leg motor weakness, using a lower limb exoskeleton with elastic joints. The proposed control algorithm for the inner loop is based on a [...] Read more.
This article addresses the design of a robust inner and outer loop controller for active gait retraining in individuals with leg motor weakness, using a lower limb exoskeleton with elastic joints. The proposed control algorithm for the inner loop is based on a robust force controller that considers dynamics in the sagittal plane, accounting for human and external perturbations. For the outer loop, a robust controller is proposed to ensure the tracking of the desired trajectories. Lyapunov candidate functions are used to demonstrate the stability of the closed-loop system. To validate the proposed algorithmic approach, numerical simulations and experimental tests are developed. The experimental results show excellent performance, even in the presence of external perturbations and opposing human reactions; the tracking error is minimal (MAE ≤ 0.0661 rad). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies for Rehabilitation: Challenges and Applications)
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21 pages, 2613 KiB  
Article
The Feasibility and User Experience of a Program of Progressive Cued Activity to Promote Functional Upper Limb Activity in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting with Follow-Up at Home
by Kimberly Bassindale, Sarah Golus, Jake Horder, Maureen Winkoski, Meghann Sytsma, Whitney A. Morelli, Maura Casadio, John McGuire and Robert A. Scheidt
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3010; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063010 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 560
Abstract
Although upper limb impairment is one of the most common deficits post-stroke and contributes substantially to diminished functional independence, many survivors receive low dosages of upper limb task training in the inpatient setting. This study evaluates the feasibility and user experience of a [...] Read more.
Although upper limb impairment is one of the most common deficits post-stroke and contributes substantially to diminished functional independence, many survivors receive low dosages of upper limb task training in the inpatient setting. This study evaluates the feasibility and user experience of a progressive-challenge cued activity program, delivered via wearable technology, to promote upper limb activity in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) post-stroke. Participants (N = 30) wore our wearable system Souvenir, which provided vibrotactile cues to prompt activity in the more-involved arm during idle time. Compliance with the program was high (94% in the IRF), and the system successfully prompted increased activity, as evidenced by significantly higher post-cue response rates compared to pre-cue activity rates (mean difference = 35.1%, t(28) = 9.398, p < 0.001). User experience was positive, with participants reporting high usability, satisfaction, and motivation. Follow-up data collected in unstructured home settings (n = 23) demonstrated continued high compliance (96%) and favorable user experience. These findings suggest that Souvenir and its cued activity program can effectively convert idle time into therapeutic activity while minimizing caregiver burden. Future research should focus on enhancing user engagement and evaluating the clinical efficacy of this approach in improving functional outcomes post-stroke. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies for Rehabilitation: Challenges and Applications)
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16 pages, 908 KiB  
Article
Development and Implementation of a Machine Learning Model to Identify Emotions in Children with Severe Motor and Communication Impairments
by Caryn Vowles, Kate Patterson and T. Claire Davies
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2850; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052850 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 539
Abstract
Children with severe motor and communication impairments (SMCIs) face significant challenges in expressing emotions, often leading to unmet needs and social isolation. This study investigated the potential of machine learning to identify emotions in children with SMCIs through the analysis of physiological signals. [...] Read more.
Children with severe motor and communication impairments (SMCIs) face significant challenges in expressing emotions, often leading to unmet needs and social isolation. This study investigated the potential of machine learning to identify emotions in children with SMCIs through the analysis of physiological signals. A model was created based on the data from the DEAP online dataset to identify the emotions of typically developing (TD) participants. The DEAP model was then adapted for use by participants with SMCIs using data collected within the Building and Designing Assistive Technology Lab (BDAT). Key adaptations to the DEAP model resulted in the exclusion of respiratory signals, a reduction in wavelet levels, and the analysis of shorter-duration data segments to enhance the model’s applicability. The adapted SMCI model demonstrated an accuracy comparable to the DEAP model, performing better than chance in TD populations and showing promise for adaptation to SMCI contexts. The models were not reliable for the effective identification of emotions; however, these findings highlight the feasibility of using machine learning to bridge communication gaps for children with SMCIs, enabling better emotional understanding. Future efforts should focus on expanding the data collection of physiological signals for diverse populations and developing personalized models to account for individual differences. This study underscores the importance of collecting data from populations with SMCIs for the development of inclusive technologies to promote empathetic care and enhance the quality of life of children with communication difficulties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies for Rehabilitation: Challenges and Applications)
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18 pages, 4041 KiB  
Article
Research on Reducing the Energy Intensity of the Drive System of a Wheelchair Equipped with an Assisted Uphill Module
by Bartosz Wieczorek and Łukasz Warguła
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11818; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411818 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 579
Abstract
This study examines the impact of the reversing interlock module on the energy intensity of manual wheelchair propulsion while considering the need for the module to cooperate with wheels exhibiting significant roundness deviations. The aim was to determine the additional energy demand caused [...] Read more.
This study examines the impact of the reversing interlock module on the energy intensity of manual wheelchair propulsion while considering the need for the module to cooperate with wheels exhibiting significant roundness deviations. The aim was to determine the additional energy demand caused by the module and analyze the effect of the number of one-sided ribs in flexible rollers on energy consumption. Experiments were conducted on a specially designed test bench to measure the torque, power, and energy required to rotate the wheels. The results show that the use of flexible rollers reduces energy consumption compared to rigid rollers—by 8% at a clamping force of 10 N and by 13% at 100 N. A linear relationship between the clamping force and energy savings, along with a significant influence of the roller rotation direction, was observed. When rotating in the less rigid direction, a 17% reduction in energy intensity was achieved. These findings suggest that incorporating flexible rollers in the reversing interlock module can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of wheelchairs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies for Rehabilitation: Challenges and Applications)
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16 pages, 7922 KiB  
Article
A Comprehensive Objective Evaluation Method for Handwriting Assistive Devices Using a Tablet and Digital Pen for Individuals with Upper Limb Dysfunction
by Qian Li, Rui Gong and Kazunori Hase
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11190; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311190 - 30 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1110
Abstract
Traditional evaluations of handwriting assistive devices have primarily relied on user satisfaction surveys. While recent advancements in computer technologies and digital devices have enabled more objective evaluations, these methods often lack comprehensiveness. This study introduces a scientific and systematic evaluation method for evaluating [...] Read more.
Traditional evaluations of handwriting assistive devices have primarily relied on user satisfaction surveys. While recent advancements in computer technologies and digital devices have enabled more objective evaluations, these methods often lack comprehensiveness. This study introduces a scientific and systematic evaluation method for evaluating handwriting assistive devices used by individuals with upper limb dysfunction. The proposed method incorporates both writing and drawing tasks, utilizing advanced computer technology and sophisticated sensors in tablets and digital pens to measure key handwriting parameters across ten indicators. These indicators are synthesized into a comprehensive score using the entropy weight method (EWM). Additionally, objective scores were compared with subjective evaluations from participants. A strong positive correlation between objective and subjective evaluations confirms the reliability of our objective method. However, statistical analysis revealed a significant mean difference between the two scoring methods, indicating that the objective method provides a more standardized and quantifiable evaluation, effectively minimizing the influence of personal biases inherent in subjective evaluations. This comprehensive evaluation method not only offers a holistic evaluation of handwriting assistive devices but also addresses the limitations of existing objective methods that tend to focus on singular aspects of performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies for Rehabilitation: Challenges and Applications)
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Other

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19 pages, 914 KiB  
Systematic Review
Systematic Review of Mecanum and Omni Wheel Technologies for Motor Impairments
by Michał Burkacki, Ilona Łysy, Sławomir Suchoń, Miłosz Chrzan and Rafał Kowolik
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4773; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094773 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
Mecanum and omni wheel-based assistive technologies present an alternative to conventional mobility devices for individuals with motor impairments, owing to their omnidirectional movement capabilities and high maneuverability in constrained environments. This systematic review identifies and categorizes the key challenges and emerging trends in [...] Read more.
Mecanum and omni wheel-based assistive technologies present an alternative to conventional mobility devices for individuals with motor impairments, owing to their omnidirectional movement capabilities and high maneuverability in constrained environments. This systematic review identifies and categorizes the key challenges and emerging trends in the development of such systems. Primary obstacles include limited stability and maneuverability on uneven terrain, high energy consumption, complex control requirements, and elevated production costs. In response, recent studies have introduced several innovative approaches, such as advanced suspension systems to enhance terrain adaptability, modular mechanical designs to reduce manufacturing complexity, energy-efficient motor control strategies such as field-oriented control, AI-driven autonomous navigation, and hands-free user interfaces—including gesture recognition and brain–computer interfaces. By synthesizing findings from 26 peer-reviewed studies, this review outlines current technical limitations, surveys state-of-the-art solutions, and offers strategic recommendations to inform future research in intelligent assistive mobility technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies for Rehabilitation: Challenges and Applications)
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