Mobility Technology A Working Definition

Rachel Cowan

Overview

Mobility Technology Panel Scope

Mobility in the ICF Context

Technology Approaches to Improve Mobility

Mobility Technology Panel Scope Mobility was defined as

Posture Balance and transfers Manipulation Walking Stair climbing Other locomotion tasks Using transportation

Think about your day today…..

Where was mobility required?

Mobility Underlies Participation

Mobility in the ICF Context

ICF = International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health

World Health Organization’s health and health related domains classification

Acknowledges everyone can experience poor health and thereby experience some degree of disability

Mobility in the ICF Context

Mobility = Activity

Impaired Body Structures and/or Functions = ↓Mobility

↓Mobility = Activity Limitations

Activity limitations can lead to participation restrictions

Participation restrictions result in decreased quality of lifeWhere does Technology Fit?

Technology Approaches to Improve Mobility

Repair body structure/function Limb regeneration Combination therapies

Rehabilitate the body structure/function Enhanced therapeutic robotics

Technology Approaches to Improve Mobility

Replace missing/impaired body structures/functions Prosthetics Wheelchairs Exoskeletons

Augment/Support impaired body/functions Crutches, canes Exoskeletons Hearing Aids Neuroprosthesis Shared Control Systems

Thinking Beyond the Obvious

Thinking Beyond the Obvious Improving mobility might be a very

indirect process..

The biggest barrier might not be obvious Pain – Osteoarthritis

Thermoregulation – MS, Older Adults

Fear of falling – Older Adults, Vestibular Disorders

Questions, Comments, Thoughts