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Healthcare
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Assistive Products and Technologies for Participation: Enhancing Occupational Performance
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Assistive Products and Technologies for Participation: Enhancing Occupational Performance

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 946

Editors

Dr. Thais Pousada

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Information and Communications Technology Research (CITIC), TALIONIS Research Group, University of A Coruña, 15006 Coruña, Spain
Interests: assistive technology; neuromuscular disorders; occupational therapy; outcome measures; rare diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Estíbaliz Jiménez Arberas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Faculty Padre Ossó, 33008 Oviedo, Spain
Interests: assistive technology; outcomes; assessment; quality of life; sexuality; disability; accessibility

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Assistive technologies and technologies play a pivotal role in promoting autonomy, participation, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. These tools are integral not only to meeting functional needs but also to facilitating inclusive environments and equitable opportunities. However, while the development of innovative assistive solutions continues to grow, rigorous evaluation frameworks and outcome-based models are required to assess their real-world impact on occupational performance and social inclusion.

This Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of assistive technologies by evaluating their impact within the context of occupational performance and activities of daily living for people with disabilities. By aligning with the journal's mission to foster evidence-based practices and innovation in rehabilitation and occupational sciences, this Special Issue will bridge the gap between technological advancements and their practical implications for individuals and communities.

This Special Issue welcomes the submission of original research articles, systematic reviews, and case studies whose scope includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  1. Assessment models and tools for measuring the impact of assistive technologies on occupational performance.
  2. The role of assistive technology in promoting inclusion and participation across life stages.
  3. Interdisciplinary approaches to integrating assistive technologies in healthcare and education settings.
  4. Limitations of assistive technologies such as a lack of use among other barriers.
  5. Comparative studies of assistive technologies and their cost-effectiveness.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Thais Pousada
Guest Editor

Dr. Estíbaliz Jiménez Arberas
Guest Editor Assistant

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare 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 2700 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 technology
  • outcomes
  • 3D
  • assessment
  • assistive devices
  • low-cost
  • models
  • instruments

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

14 pages, 889 KB  
Article
Predisposition to the Use/Non-Use of Mobility Aids in People with Neurological Impairment
by Estíbaliz Jiménez Arberas, Thais Pousada García and Feliciano Francisco Ordoñez Fernández
Healthcare 2026, 14(7), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14070825 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 373
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Assistive technologies are commonly used as a compensatory strategy for individuals with neurological conditions. However, several negative factors have been associated with their use, leading to their non-use or interruption. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Assistive technologies are commonly used as a compensatory strategy for individuals with neurological conditions. However, several negative factors have been associated with their use, leading to their non-use or interruption. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the potential of the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD-PA) as an outcome measure to identify psychosocial and user-perceived factors associated with the non-use or interruption of assistive technology, particularly mobility devices. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and non-experimental design was employed, as no variables were manipulated. The sample was selected using non-probability convenience sampling and consisted of 80 participants, of which 14 participants discontinued or interrupted the use of assistive technology. An ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire was administered, along with the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment, based on the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) model. Results: Factors related to non-use or interruption appeared to be associated with higher perceived levels of global health, self-care, and physical well-being. Findings from the ATD-PA, used as an indicator of subjective satisfaction, showed strong associations between the perceived level of loss and the need for assistive technologies in domains such as comfort, self-care, and general health (r = 0.72–0.90). The perceived benefit of the device was closely linked to knowledge of its use, safety, fit with personal habits, and perceived capability and stamina (r = 0.69–0.94). Comfort using the device was mainly reported in familiar environments such as with family and friends. In contrast, comfort in broader community contexts did not demonstrate meaningful associations. Conclusions: Findings are consistent with Lauer’s model of non-use and highlight the importance of psychosocial determinants such as perceived health, safety, support, and contextual comfort in understanding the interruption or non-use of assistive technology, in line with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. The ATD-PA shows potential as an outcome-oriented tool to support follow-up and the early identification of risk factors for non-use. Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand usage patterns over time. In Spain, the lack of standardized outcome evaluation protocols and systematic follow-up processes underscore the need for structured monitoring strategies in assistive technology provision. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Products and Technologies for Participation: Enhancing Occupational Performance)
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