Design considerations to facilitate users’ willingness of using lower limb orthoses

• Main Authors: Tong, Ji-Rou, 佟紀柔
• Other Authors: Yang, Bing-Shiang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/f36brt

碩士 === 國立交通大學 === 機械工程系所 === 105 === Assistive devices are used to compensate for damages of body parts or sensorimotor functions and to enhance the independence of daily living of individuals with disabilities. The mobility aids (account for 34%) and upper/lower limb orthoses (account for 32.5%) are of the most demand for individuals with disabilities. However, about 33% of assistive devices are underutilized or abandoned. If an assistive device is not acceptable to the user, it will not achieve its efficacy. The aim of this study was to examine factors affecting users’ willingness to use orthoses and enhance the acceptance rate of lower limb orthoses. First, thirty-five lower limb orthosis users were recruited for an in-depth interview. Each interview transcript was coded independently by two researchers following the same coding principles. Then, we employed a coding to establish a new questionnaire. We assessed the internal consistency and test-retest reliability after we collected the questionnaire data with sixty-three lower limb orthosis users. We employed the the descriptive statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to find out what would influence users’ willingness to use orthoses. Problems of using orthoses are mainly influenced by the type of orthoses. The problems of using Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis (HKAFO) are too heavy and difficulties in putting on the orthoses. If we solve these problems, the users will be more willing to use HKAFO to assist their lives. The problems are also affected by the activities of daily living, especially easily-broken orthoses and normal walking. If we solve this problem, the user will not worry about the risk of fall due to easily-broken orthoses and increase their willingness to use the orthoses. Besides, user's mentality is also an important factor which affects using willingness. Users should have a good communication and detailed explanations by experts so that the orthoses can better fit their expectations. This would increase their willingness to use the orthoses. In conclusion, improving each orthosis depends on the problems which users encountered. Understanding the effectiveness of orthoses and potential problems that may occur when wearing the orthoses through patient education, there can increase users' willingness and the utilization efficiency of the orthoses.