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Electric Wheelchair With Joystick Joysticks on power wheelchairs can significantly improve accessibility and independence. However, standardized joysticks can lack accommodation of individualized features of hand impairment. This study evaluated the efficacy and satisfaction of customizing power wheelchair joysticks made using 3D printing technology. Modified power-mobility indoor driving assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index, and the psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale were used to evaluate. Control The control system of a power wheelchair comprises two key components that are the joystick and electronics (also called the controller). The standard joysticks are usually mounted to either the left or right side of the chair. However, more sophisticated rehab chairs might include swing-away mounts that allow for the joystick to be moved to the middle of the seat. The way that a joystick is mounted and used is a significant factor in determining whether it can be effective for a specific user. If a user has a high number of tremors, it is essential to design the joystick such that the movements don't activate the chair accidentally. Standard EPW joysticks use proportional input devices that react to the deflection of the gimbal to control the chair's motion (similar to an electronic game controller or a car accelerator pedal). There are several different control options available for power wheelchairs that require very little force for activation. These include switches, sip and puff controls as well as head array systems and chin control. Certain of these controls require an additional interface to connect to the wheelchair. However, a lot of them are compatible with new joysticks that integrate Bluetooth into the handles. Some wheelchair joysticks are equipped with screens to display the status of the system, and also to provide feedback to the users. This can be especially useful for people who are cognitively or visually impaired. Certain advanced joysticks are able to control a wide range of accessories such as the TV, environmental controls and tablet. Whatever the technology the joystick is useful if it's comfortable for the user to operate. For this reason, it is essential to consider the size and position of the buttons on a joystick to ensure that they are easily accessible. Additionally, it is important to think about the sensitivities of the joystick, which can be adjusted to a range of levels depending on the preferences of each client. Comfort A joystick-controlled chair has many advantages that manual chairs do not have. They minimize fatigue triggered by operational factors and permit longer travel distances than their manually operated counterparts. They can also be used in areas with less space or terrain that is more difficult like slopes outdoors and uneven surfaces. This additional independence allows users to experience a new freedom of movement and feeling of independence. A variety of power wheelchairs are available with a wide range of options. The amount of bells and whistles included on the particular model will be contingent on the requirements of the user and their wants. A few of the most common features include: Customization of controls on an electric wheelchair equipped with the joystick is a possibility to satisfy the individual's needs. This includes the type and location of the knob, ball or handle. Joysticks are usually located on the armrest of the driver's chair and others are positioned on the front or rear of the seat to make it easier for an attendant to reach. They can also be placed on the side of the seat for people with limited shoulder mobility or muscle weakness. Other features are more personalised like the design and size of the joystick's display. Some models are backlit or have a color that is easier to read for those with low vision. Some models also have additional modes that provide audio or visual clues for navigation. Other models could include odometers, clocks and battery charge indicators. Another crucial aspect of the joystick is how it can be operated within an area with a tight turning radius. The most effective models will have a small turning radius, which makes it easier to navigate obstacles and narrow spaces like hallways. This radius of tight turning makes it easier to navigate in public places and in stores. This tight turning circle is particularly beneficial for those suffering from mobility issues, like cerebral palsy, or other mobility issues such as multiple sclerosis ALS and Huntington's disease, brainstem injury or spinal cord stroke. Safety Power wheelchairs have been designed with safety as the top priority. They have robust brake systems that can slow the speed rapidly when the user presses the joystick control. They also have anti-tip wheels at the rear that help prevent the chair from tipping backwards. The most common joystick type is one that is proportional. It is similar to video game controllers as well as accelerator pedals for cars in that it makes the wheelchair move faster the further the joystick is away from the center. These kinds of joysticks require proprioception as well as finger dexterity to operate efficiently. The standard joysticks are positioned on the armrest. However, there are a variety of special controls that put the controls on the side or middle of the seat. Even with specialized rigging some people might not be able deflect a handle. This is the case with some people who suffer from spasticity, which can cause muscles to become stiff or even die (atrophy). In these instances it is possible to use a head control device that converts the movement of the head of the user into the needed instruction for the wheelchair could be a better option. Another thing to take into consideration is the size and location of buttons on the joystick. If the buttons are located too far forward or are difficult to reach, it can affect the user's position and result in strain on their hands. On the other hand when the joystick is placed too far backward it may be difficult to turn the wheels or move the chair through tight spaces. The seatbelt must be fastened on an electric wheelchair. Seatbelts must always be fastened when using an electric wheelchair. The fastest wheelchairs can travel up to 8mph. Batteries should be charged regularly and at least every night. This will ensure that they have longer life and keep their efficiency. You should also keep your chair regularly maintained to ensure that all components are working correctly. Accessories The joystick is a key component of any power wheelchair and there are numerous accessories that may be added to enhance its capabilities. These can range from simple switches to more sophisticated interfaces that connect to communication devices and even external environmental control units. electric wheelchairs -end power wheelchairs usually include a variety of controller components that can satisfy the requirements of various clients. For example an unexpandable controller will typically only accept a proportional joystick for an input device. However, an expandable controller will also allow sip and puff controls, specialty switches and head array systems. Some advanced controllers can even use up to two power seating actuators that can be used to adjust the position and tilt of the seat. The most common type of joystick prescribed in clinics is a proportional joystick also known as a motion-sensing joystick. This type of joystick responds to the force by increasing output (i.e. The speed of the wheelchair increases as the stick moves away from the center. This requires a significant amount of proprioception intact and dexterity for effective use. While the technology in use today can be used to compensate for small variations in amplitude in EPW driving, it is still unable to recognize and adapt to many more severe unintentional movements, such as those caused by larger involuntary or amplitude tremors that are not associated with conscious intent like athetosis.5 In the meantime, until we create and implement new technologies that can reliably detect and adapt to these kinds of unintentional movement, many people with conditions like athetosis, MS, ALS or spinal cord injuries won't be able to safely use an electric power chair. The majority of wheelchairs can be customised and programmed by an expert. These parameters could include altering the torque that is provided by the motor, changing the speed of the chair and setting the dead zone, which is the distance within which the EPW is unable to produce an output. Some controllers also allow the clinician to save backup programs. This is useful in an emergency or when a patient's symptoms alter.