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 life Where 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

 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