Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives

Dear Colleagues,

Assistive technologies are increasingly pivotal in enhancing the quality of life for individuals across various settings, including both rehabilitation and ongoing care. These technologies are transforming how we address diverse needs, ranging from communication support—such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems—to interventions for neuromotor disabilities. As research advances, innovative, high-performance solutions rooted in cutting-edge technology are continuously developed and made available to improve patient outcomes.

The field encompasses a wide array of technological advancements, including robotics, wearable devices, and implantable prostheses. These technologies contribute significantly to enhancing physical capabilities, supporting mobility, and facilitating communication. They also offer solutions for remote interaction, leveraging telemedicine and medical applications through networked systems to extend care beyond traditional settings.

Despite these advancements, several critical issues must be addressed to fully realize the potential of assistive technologies. These include ensuring individual-centered care, personalizing assistive devices to meet specific needs, and improving accessibility. Regulatory frameworks, such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), and international initiatives led by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), are crucial in guiding these developments through awareness, monitoring, and advocacy.

This Special Issue will explore a range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Integration of robotics and AI in rehabilitation technologies
• Role of wearable devices in enhancing autonomy
• Impact of telemedicine on remote care
• Challenges in accessibility and the spread of assistive technologies
• International standards and regulations for assistive devices
• Personalization of assistive solutions based on individual needs
• Development of smart environments and ambient assistive technologies
• Advances in prosthetics and orthotics for improved functionality
• Use of virtual and augmented reality in rehabilitation
• Innovations in communication aids for individuals with speech impairments
• Ethical considerations in the deployment of assistive technologies
• Economic analysis and cost-effectiveness of assistive technologies
• User experience and usability studies of assistive devices
• Training and education for the effective use of assistive technologies
• Collaboration between healthcare providers, technology developers, and patients
• Impact of assistive technologies on quality of life and social inclusion
• WHO initiatives on assistive technology, including:
  • WHO Global Report on Assistive Technology (World Health Organization's comprehensive assessment of global needs and gaps in assistive technology)
  • WHO's priorities and action plans for assistive technology (WHO's strategic objectives for improving access to and quality of assistive technologies)
  • WHO guidelines and frameworks for implementing assistive technology in healthcare systems (WHO's recommendations for integrating assistive technologies into health systems)
  • WHO's role in promoting global access to assistive devices (WHO's efforts to support equitable access to assistive technologies worldwide)
  • WHO's partnerships and collaborations for advancing assistive technology (Collaborations with international organizations to enhance assistive technology development and distribution)
• Application of ICF in assistive technologies, including:
  • Utilization of ICF framework for assessing the impact of assistive technologies on functioning and disability (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework for evaluating how assistive technologies affect various aspects of health and disability)
  • Integration of ICF domains (body functions, activities, participation) in the design and evaluation of assistive devices (How ICF's domains guide the development and assessment of assistive technologies)

Prof. Dr. Daniele Giansanti
Guest Editor

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. Technologies is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1600 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.

• assistive technology
• aid
• robotics
• telemedicine
• digital health
• artificial intelligence
• augmentative and alternative communication
• who
• ICF
• mhealth
• ehealth