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Electric Wheelchair With Joystick Joysticks on power wheelchairs can increase their ease of use and independence. Standard joysticks might not be able to accommodate the unique features of hand impairment. This study evaluated the efficacy and satisfaction of customizing power wheelchair joysticks made using 3D printing technology. The evaluation was conducted using the modified power-mobility assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, and Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale. Control The control system of a power wheelchair comprises two key components that are the joystick and electronics (also known as the controller). Joysticks that are standard mount to the left or right side of the chair, whereas more sophisticated rehab chairs might have swing away mounts that allow the joystick to be moved to the centre of the seat. The way in which a joystick is mounted and used is essential to its performance for a client. If a user has a high number of tremors, it is important to design the joystick in a way that the movements do not activate the chair accidentally. Standard EPW joysticks generally use proportional input devices that respond to the amount of deflection of the gimbal to regulate the movement of the chair (similar to an automobile accelerator pedal or video game controller). There are several different control options for power wheelchairs that require very only a little force to activate. Controls for switches, sip-and-puff head arrays, sip-and-puff controls, and the chin controls are all there. Some of these controls require an additional interface to connect to the wheelchair. However, many of them are compatible with new joysticks that incorporate Bluetooth into the handles. Some standard wheelchair joysticks have screens that display the status of the system, and also to provide feedback to the users. This is especially beneficial for those who are visually or cognitively impaired. Other joysticks with advanced technology have the capability of controlling a variety of accessories like environmental controls and even a tablet or TV. Regardless of the technology, a joystick can only be useful if it's easy for the user to use. It is therefore essential to think about the size of the buttons and their position on the joystick to make them easy to access. Also, it is essential to think about the sensitivity of the joystick, which can be adjusted to a variety of levels according to the preferences of each user. Comfort A joystick-controlled chair has many advantages that manual chairs do not have. They reduce fatigue due to operational issues and can travel for longer distances than manual-operated chairs. They can also be used in places with fewer spaces and more challenging terrain than a manual wheelchair like outdoor slopes or uneven surfaces. This increased independence gives users a new freedom of movement and a feeling of freedom. A variety of different power wheelchairs are offered with many options. The number of bells and whistles available on the specific model will depend on the user's needs and desires. Some of the most common features include: Controls on an electric wheelchair that have a joystick can be customized to fit individual needs. This includes the type of knob, ball or handle and the way it is mounted. Some joysticks can be found at the end of the armrest of the driver's seat, while others are placed on the rear or front of the seat to make it easier for the an attendant to reach. Some joysticks can be mounted on the side of the seat for those who have limited shoulder range or muscular weakness. Other features are more personal in nature like the size and design of the joystick display screen. Some models are backlit or have colors that make it easier for those with poor vision to read. Some models have extra modes that offer audio or visual navigation signals. Other models may include clocks, odometers and indicators for battery charge. Another crucial aspect of the joystick is how well it can be operated within a tight turning radius. The most effective models will have a smaller turning radius, making it easier to navigate obstacles and narrow spaces, such as hallways. The narrow turning radius makes it easier to maneuver in public spaces and in stores. portable electric wheelchair turning radius is particularly useful for people who suffer from mobility issues like cerebral palsy, MS, ALS Huntington's disease, spinal cord injury, or brainstem stroke. Safety Power wheelchairs have been designed with safety as the top priority. They have reliable braking systems that reduce speed rapidly when the user depresses the joystick control lever. The chairs also come with anti-tip rear wheels that prevent the chair from tipping forward. The most popular type of joystick is a proportional control. It is similar to video game controllers and accelerator pedals for cars in that it accelerates the wheelchair the further the joystick is from the center. These types of joysticks require intact proprioception and finger dexterity to function effectively. The standard joysticks are positioned on the armrest. However there are many of special controls that put the control on the side or middle of the seat. Even with specialized rigging, some people might not be able to turn the handle. People with spasticity might have issues because their muscles may become stiff or atrophy. In these instances it might be beneficial to use a head-control device that converts the movements of the consumer's body into the commands for the wheelchair. The size and position of the joystick's buttons is another aspect to be considered. If the buttons are far in the front or difficult to reach, they could hinder the seating position of the user and cause an injury to the hands. On the other hand when the joystick is placed too far backwards it may be difficult to turn the wheels or maneuver the chair into tight spaces. Finally, an electric wheelchair must always be used with a seatbelt secured. The most powerful wheelchairs can travel at speeds of up to 8 mph and a seatbelt that isn't fastened can result in serious injuries or death. It is also essential to keep batteries charged regularly, at least every night if possible. This will ensure that they live longer and help maintain their effectiveness. You should also have your chair checked regularly to ensure that all components are working properly. Accessories The joystick is a major component of any power wheelchair and there are numerous accessories that may be added to enhance its capabilities. These range from simple switches to more sophisticated interfaces that connect to communication devices, and even external environmental control units. A high-end power wheelchair is likely to have a variety of controller components that can be used and configured to meet the needs of a particular client. A non-expandable control can only accept the proportional stick as an input device, however, an expandable control will also accept sip and puff controls, special switches, as well head array systems. Some of the more sophisticated controllers can even use up to two power seating actuators that are able to adjust the position and tilt of the seat. The most basic kind of joystick used in the clinic is a proportional control, sometimes referred to as a movement sensing joystick. This type of joystick responds the force by increasing output (i.e. The speed of the wheelchair increases as the stick is moved away from the center. This requires a significant amount of proprioception that is intact and dexterity for effective use. Although the technology used today can be used to compensate for small amplitude movements in EPW driving but it is not able to detect and adjust to more severe and accidental movements, such as those caused by larger involuntary or amplitude tremors that are not accompanied by conscious intent like athetosis.5 Until we can develop and implement new technologies that can accurately detect and adapt to these kinds of unintentional movements, many people with conditions like athetosis, MS, ALS or spinal cord injuries will not be able to safely use an electric power chair. The majority of wheelchairs can be programmed and customized by an expert. These parameters could include altering the torque generated by the motor, adjusting the speed of the chair and setting the dead zone which is the amount within which the EPW is unable to produce an output. Some controllers also permit the clinician to store backup programs. This is helpful in an emergency situation or when the symptoms of a patient alter.