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

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A special issue of Technologies (ISSN 2227-7080). This special issue belongs to the section "Assistive Technologies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 4413

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Dr. Daniele Giansanti

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Guest Editor

Centre Tisp, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: biomedical engineering; robotics; artificial intelligence; digital health; rehabilitation; smart technology; cybersecurity; mental health; animal-assisted therapy; social robotics; acceptance; diagnostic pathology and radiology; medical imaging; patient safety; healthcare quality; health assessment; chronic disease
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the first edition of our Special Issue—featuring over 20 published contributions —we are pleased to announce the second edition of "Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives."

[First Edition: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/technologies/special_issues/3JP949711D]
Assistive technologies continue to play an essential role in transforming the landscape of care and rehabilitation, offering innovative pathways to enhance autonomy, communication, mobility, and participation. From wearable sensors to AI-driven robotics, from immersive virtual environments to networked telemedicine systems, these technologies are no longer confined to the laboratory—they are reshaping care delivery in hospitals, homes, and communities.

This second edition aims to deepen and broaden the discussion, with special focus on personalized and person-centered approaches, usability and ethical dimensions, and the interplay between international policy frameworks and technological innovation. Anchored to regulatory and conceptual pillars such as the WHO Global Report on Assistive Technology and the ICF framework, this Special Issue welcomes contributions that bridge the gap between theory and practice, design and implementation, and technology and the lived experience of users.

We invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:

Integration of robotics, AI, and smart environments in care and rehabilitation;
Personalization of assistive devices and adaptive systems;
Wearables and mobile technologies supporting autonomy and monitoring;
Advances in prosthetics, orthotics, and implantables;
Remote care, tele-rehabilitation, and connected health platforms;
Communication technologies for people with speech or cognitive impairments;
Virtual and augmented reality applications in therapeutic settings;
Regulatory challenges, accessibility issues, and equitable access;
Implementation of ICF in the design and evaluation of assistive tools;
WHO strategies, guidelines, and global action plans;
User-centered design, usability studies, and co-creation with end users;
Training and digital literacy for healthcare professionals and users;
Socio-economic impact, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability;
Cross-sector collaborations—research, industry, healthcare, and policy;
Ethical, legal, and social implications in assistive tech deployment.

We look forward to contributions from researchers, clinicians, technologists, and policy experts worldwide. Together, we aim to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue that supports the responsible development and dissemination of assistive technologies—advancing not only technical innovation, but also inclusion, dignity, and quality of life.

Sincerely,

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 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-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 1800 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
aid
robotics
telemedicine
digital health
artificial intelligence
augmentative and alternative communication
WHO
ICF
mhealth
ehealth

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 257 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Users’ and Clinicians’ Perceptions of an Intelligent Dynamic System for Multi-Component Motorized Wheelchairs

by Claudine Auger, Annabelle de Serres-Lafontaine, Charlie Bouchard, Audrey Labelle, François Routhier and Krista L. Best

Technologies 2026, 14(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14010047 - 8 Jan 2026

Viewed by 387

Abstract

Introduction: Motorized components on power wheelchairs (PWC) enable repositioning to pre-programmed positions (e.g., tilt, leg support, verticalization) to prevent prolonged static positions. Smart technologies can track positioning information and give feedback according to clinical recommendations and personal goals. This study aimed to explore users’ and clinicians’ perceptions of an intelligent dynamic seating (IDS) system prototype comprising a PWC with motorized multi-components connected to a web interface. Methods: A purposive sample of six PWC users and eight clinicians were recruited in this exploratory descriptive qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews included viewing a video of the IDS and images of the web interface. Interviews were transcribed, deductively coded, and thematically analyzed using a conceptual model for evaluating eHealth interventions. Results: Clinicians found the IDS system intuitive to use, customizable, relevant in terms of positioning and clinical recommendations, and timesaving. Powered wheelchair users perceived benefits that could motivate behavioural change, autonomy, health, and inclusion. Concerns related to familiarity with complex technology, funding, cognitive requirements, and technical and health risks were raised. Conclusion: The results inform improvements for the integration of the IDS in clinical practice to respond to the positioning needs of PWC users. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives—Second Edition)

13 pages, 711 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exoskeleton-Assisted Gait: Exploring New Rehabilitation Perspectives in Degenerative Spinal Cord Injury

by Martina Regazzetti, Mirko Zitti, Giovanni Lazzaro, Samuel Vianello, Sara Federico, Błażej Cieślik, Agnieszka Guzik, Carlos Luque-Moreno and Pawel Kiper

Technologies 2026, 14(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14010017 - 25 Dec 2025

Viewed by 466

Abstract

Background: Recovery following incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) remains challenging, with conventional rehabilitation often emphasizing compensation over functional restoration. As most new spinal cord injury cases preserve some motor or sensory pathways, there is increasing interest in therapies that harness neuroplasticity. Robotic exoskeletons provide a promising means to deliver task-specific, repetitive gait training that may promote adaptive neural reorganization. This feasibility study investigates the feasibility, safety, and short-term effects of exoskeleton-assisted walking in individuals with degenerative iSCI. Methods: Two cooperative male patients (patients A and B) with degenerative iSCI (AIS C, neurological level L1) participated in a four-week intervention consisting of one hour of neuromotor physiotherapy followed by one hour of exoskeleton-assisted gait training, three times per week. Functional performance was assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test, while gait quality was examined through spatiotemporal gait analysis. Vendor-generated surface electromyography (sEMG) plots were available only for qualitative description. Results: Patient A demonstrated a clinically meaningful increase in walking speed (+0.15 m/s). Spatiotemporal parameters showed mixed and non-uniform changes, including longer cycle, stance, and swing times, which reflect a slower stepping pattern rather than improved efficiency or coordination. Patient B showed a stable walking speed (+0.03 m/s) and persistent gait asymmetries. Qualitative sEMG plots are presented descriptively but cannot support interpretations of muscle recruitment patterns or neuromuscular changes. Conclusions: In this exploratory study, exoskeleton-assisted gait training was feasible and well tolerated when combined with conventional physiotherapy. However, observed changes were heterogeneous and do not allow causal or mechanistic interpretation related to neuromuscular control, muscle recruitment, or device-specific effects. These findings highlight substantial inter-individual variability and underscore the need for larger controlled studies to identify predictors of response and optimize rehabilitation protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives—Second Edition)

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16 pages, 456 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Satisfaction with Assistive Technology Through Better Service Delivery: Evidence from the WHO rATA Survey in Italy

by Lorenzo Desideri, Riccardo Magni, Francesco Zanfardino, Evert-Jan Hoogerwerf, Concetta Vaccaro, Regina Gregori Grgič, Marta De Santis, Rosa Immacolata Romeo, Elena Ilaria Capuano, Sandra Morelli, Antonia Pirrera and Daniele Giansanti

Technologies 2026, 14(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14010010 - 23 Dec 2025

Viewed by 344

Abstract

Population-level evidence on how different phases of assistive technology service delivery contribute to user satisfaction with assistive products remains limited, despite its importance for strengthening provision systems. This study investigates how different aspects of assistive technology service delivery influence user satisfaction with assistive products and their perceived usefulness. Drawing on data from 992 Italian respondents to the WHO rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) survey, hierarchical regression and mediation analyses were conducted to examine the relative contribution of pre- and post-delivery services (i.e., assessment and training, and maintenance and follow-up) to overall product satisfaction. Results showed that satisfaction with pre-delivery services (β = 0.571, p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of product satisfaction, followed by post-delivery services (β = 0.280, p < 0.001). Together, both service dimensions explained nearly 60% of the variance in product satisfaction (R² = 0.595). Mediation analysis further revealed that satisfaction with pre-delivery services partially mediated the relationship between product satisfaction and perceived usefulness (β = 0.147, p < 0.001), accounting for 29% of the total effect. These findings suggest a complementary pattern, in which pre-delivery services may provide a foundation for positive user experiences, while post-delivery services contribute meaningfully to sustaining satisfaction and perceived usefulness. The results provide population-level insights that may support national reflections on how to strengthen assistive technology service delivery, while recognizing that both early- and later-stage service components play important and interdependent roles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives—Second Edition)

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34 pages, 5913 KB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Device Development for Gait Monitoring: Multimodal Feedback in an Interactive Foot Orthosis, Walking Aid, and Mobile Application

by Stefan Resch, André Kousha, Anna Carroll, Noah Severinghaus, Felix Rehberg, Marco Zatschker, Yunus Söyleyici and Daniel Sanchez-Morillo

Technologies 2025, 13(12), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13120588 - 13 Dec 2025

Viewed by 635

Abstract

Smart assistive technologies such as sensor-based footwear and walking aids offer promising opportunities for gait rehabilitation through real-time feedback and patient-centered monitoring. While biofeedback applications show great potential, current research rarely explores integrated closed-loop systems with device- and modality-specific feedback. In this work, we present a modular sensor-based system combining a smart foot orthosis and an instrumented forearm crutch to deliver real-time vibrotactile biofeedback. The system integrates plantar pressure and motion sensing, vibrotactile feedback, and wireless communication via a smartphone application. We conducted a user study with eight participants to validate the system’s feasibility for mobile gait detection and app usability, and to evaluate different vibrotactile feedback types across the orthosis and forearm crutch. The results indicate that pattern-based vibrotactile feedback was rated as more useful and suitable for regular use than simple vibration alerts. Moreover, participants reported clear perceptual differences between feedback delivered via the orthosis and the forearm crutch, indicating device-dependent feedback perception. The findings highlight the relevance of feedback strategy design beyond hardware implementation and inform the development of user-centered haptic biofeedback systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives—Second Edition)

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19 pages, 901 KB

Open AccessArticle

End-Users’ Perspectives on Implementation Outcomes of Digital Voice Assistants Delivering a Home-Based Lifestyle Intervention in Older Obese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Analysis

by Costas Glavas, Jiani Ma, Surbhi Sood, Elena S. George, Robin M. Daly, Eugene Gvozdenko, Barbora de Courten, David Scott and Paul Jansons

Technologies 2025, 13(11), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13110511 - 9 Nov 2025

Viewed by 993

Abstract

Managing blood glucose levels and adhering to exercise is challenging for older adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Digital voice assistants (DVAs) utilising conversation-based interactions and natural language may overcome barriers to accessing home-based lifestyle programs, but end-user perspectives are essential for implementation. This analysis investigated end-user perspectives on implementation outcomes of a DVA-delivered lifestyle program nested within a randomised controlled trial of 50 older adults (aged 50–75 years) with obesity and T2DM (DVA n = 25; control n = 25). Following trial completion, 10 DVA participants (mean ± SD age 67 ± 4 years) completed semi-structured interviews guided by the Practical Planning for Implementations and Scale-up guide and Proctor’s implementation outcome taxonomy. Over half (60%) were willing to pay for the DVA-delivered program, indicating perceived value. DVA audiovisual and conversation-based modalities enhanced engagement and acceptability. Most end-users found the DVA program feasible as a modality for delivering lifestyle programs, but suggested greater personalisation to bolster sustainability. Overall, the intervention was identified as acceptable and appropriate, suggesting digitally delivered programs may be feasible and sustainable for long-term use. Findings should be interpreted cautiously, given the small sample size and short intervention period. Nevertheless, end-users’ suggestions could inform the implementation of digital health interventions into healthcare systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives—Second Edition)

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Review

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28 pages, 3931 KB

Open AccessReview

Smart Digital Environments for Monitoring Precision Medical Interventions and Wearable Observation and Assistance

by Adel Razek and Lionel Pichon

Technologies 2026, 14(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14010040 - 6 Jan 2026

Viewed by 214

Abstract

Various recurring medical events encourage innovative patient well-being through connected health strategies based on an elegant digital environment that prioritizes safety, comfort, and beneficial outcomes for both patients and medical staff. This narrative review article aims to investigate and highlight the potential of advanced, reliable, high-precision, and secure medical observation and intervention missions. These involve a smart digital environment integrating smart materials combined with smart digital monitoring. These medical implications concern robotic surgery and drug delivery through image-assisted implantation, as well as wearable observation and assistive tools. The former requires high-precision motion and positioning strategies, while the latter enables sensing, diagnosis, monitoring, and central task assistance. Both advocate minimally invasive or noninvasive procedures and precise supervision through autonomously controlled processes with staff participation. The article analyzes the requirements and evolution of medical interventions, robotic actuation technologies for positioning actuated and self-moving instances, monitoring of image-assisted robotic procedures using digital twins and augmented digital tools, and wearable medical detection and assistance devices. A discussion including future research perspectives and conclusions complete the article. The different themes addressed in the proposed paper, although self-sufficient, are supported by examples of the literature, allowing a deeper understanding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives—Second Edition)

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Other

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20 pages, 1180 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Network-Based Quantitative Analysis of the Societal Impacts of Assistive Technology

by Paulo Alexandre Correia de Jesus, Jordam Wilson Lourenço, Osiris Canciglieri Junior, Ismael Cristofer Baierle and Jones Luís Schaefer

Technologies 2025, 13(11), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13110506 - 7 Nov 2025

Viewed by 489

Abstract

It is estimated that around 1.3 billion people, roughly 16% of the global population, live with some form of disability, which can be physical, auditory, visual, intellectual, or psychosocial (mental). To help this group overcome daily functional limitations and improve their ability to perform activities independently, Assistive Technologies (AT) are used. However, understanding the complex effects of these technologies on users’ lives poses challenges in measurement. This research aims to identify and systematise the impacts caused by AT within society, analysing the relationships among these impacts to offer a comprehensive understanding of their scope. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was carried out following the PRISMA protocol, supplemented by association rule analysis using the Apriori algorithm with Weka software. Metrics such as Support, Confidence, and Lift were used to evaluate the associations identified by the algorithm. This analysis revealed fourteen distinct types of impacts, categorised into three groups: User Quality of Life, Social and Psychosocial, and Work Environment and Productivity. The findings demonstrated consistent associations, including Autonomy → Independence, Socioeconomic Status → Social Impact, and Education → Social Impact, indicating interconnected effects of assistive devices across functional, educational, emotional, social, economic, and productivity areas. This study supports the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting the development of AT standardisation tools, guiding more inclusive public policies, and encouraging collaborative networks among stakeholders involved in AT research and development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Technologies in Care and Rehabilitation: Research, Developments, and International Initiatives—Second Edition)

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