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Electric Wheelchair With Joystick Joysticks for power wheelchairs can increase their ease of use and independence. However, standardized joysticks can lack accommodation of individualized features of hand impairment. This study examined the efficacy and satisfaction of customized power wheelchair joysticks that were 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 for evaluation. Control The control system of a power chair has two important elements: the joystick and the electronics. Joysticks that are standard mount to the left or right sides of the chair. However, more complex rehab chairs may include swing-away mounts that allow the joystick to be moved into the centre of the seat. The way the joystick is placed and used is vital to its success for a user. If a client has a lot of tremors it is crucial to design the joystick so that the movements don't activate the chair accidentally. The standard EPW joysticks generally use proportional input devices that respond to the level of deflection on the gimbal in order to regulate the movement of the chair (similar to an accelerator pedal or video game controller). However, there are now a number of different alternative control options for power wheelchairs that require only a little force to activate. These include switch controls sip and puff control head array systems, and chin control. While some of these specialty controls require an additional interface to connect them to the wheelchair, many are compatible with the new generation of joysticks, which have integrated Bluetooth into their handles. Some wheelchair joysticks are equipped with screens to display the status of the system, and provide feedback to the users. This is especially useful for those who are cognitively or visually impaired. Other advanced joysticks come with the ability to control many different devices like environmental controls and even a tablet or TV. Whatever technology is used, a joystick can only be as effective if the user finds it comfortable to use. It is therefore important to think about the size of the buttons as well as their position on the joystick to make them easy to access. Also, it is essential to think about the sensitiveness of the joystick which can be adjusted to a variety of levels based on the requirements of each client. Comfort A joystick-controlled power wheelchair offers many benefits that aren't accessible with a manual chair. They limit fatigue caused by operational factors and allow for longer travel times than their manually operated counterparts. Additionally, they can be used in areas with less space and more challenging terrain than a manual wheelchair, like outdoor slopes or uneven surfaces. This additional independence gives users an entirely new freedom of movement and a feeling of freedom. There are many different powered wheelchairs that are available each with its distinct features. The amount of bells and whistles a particular model has will depend on what the user wants and needs. Some of the most commonly used features include: The control options on an electric wheelchair with a joystick can be made to satisfy the individual's needs. This includes the type of knob or handle, as well as the ball or the way it is mounted. Some joysticks are mounted on the opposite side of the dominant armrest while others are located in the front or back of the seat to facilitate access by the attendant. They may also be mounted on the side of the seat for those with limited shoulder mobility or muscles that are weak. Other features are more personal in nature such as the size and shape of the joystick display screen. Some models are backlit or have the color of the screen, which makes it easier for those with low-vision to read. Some models have auxiliary modes which provide audio or visual navigation signals. They also have clocks, odometers, as well as battery charge indicators. The ability of a joystick to move in a small turning radius is also essential. The best models will have a narrow turning radius, which makes it easier to maneuver obstacles in tight areas, such as hallways. The narrow turning radius allows for easier maneuvering through public areas and stores. This radius of tight turning is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from mobility issues like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, ALS Huntington's disease, spinal cord injury, or brainstem stroke. Safety Power wheelchairs are designed with safety in mind. They have reliable braking systems that can reduce speed rapidly when the user presses the joystick control lever. They also have anti-tip wheels in the rear to prevent the chair from tipping backwards. The most common joystick type 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 away from the center. These kinds of joysticks require proprioception as well as finger dexterity to work effectively. Standard joysticks are mounted on the armrest. However, there are a variety special controls that place the control on the middle or side of the seat. Even with specialized rigging, certain people may not be able to turn a handle. This is the case with some people who have spasticity, which can cause muscles to become stiff or deteriorate (atrophy). In these cases, a head control unit that transforms the movement of the user's head into a command for the wheelchair might be a better option. Another factor to consider is the size and location of the joystick's buttons. If the buttons are too far to the left or difficult to reach, it may affect the user's seating position and put stress on their hands. If the joystick is placed too far back, it may be difficult to maneuver the chair or turn the wheels. Finally, an electric wheelchair must always be used with a seatbelt secured. The most powerful wheelchairs can travel at speeds up to 8 mph, and an unfastened seatbelt can lead to serious injuries or even death. Batteries should be charged regularly and preferably every night. This will help them to have a longer life and help maintain their effectiveness. You should also have your chair maintained regularly to ensure that all parts are functioning properly. Accessories Joysticks are an essential component of power wheelchairs and can be improved by a variety of accessories. These can range from simple switches to more sophisticated interfaces that connect to communication devices, and even external environmental control units. Power wheelchairs with higher end features will typically come with a variety controller components that are able to meet the needs of different clients. For example an unexpandable controller will generally only accept the proportional joystick as an input device, whereas an expandable controller can allow sip and puff controls, specialty switches, and head array systems. Certain advanced controllers are capable of operating up to two power seating actuators which can adjust the direction and angle of the seat. The most common type of joystick that is prescribed in clinics is a proportional joystick also known as a motion-sensing joystick. This type of joystick responds the force by increasing output (i.e. wheelchair speed) the farther the stick is moved away from center. MyMobilityScooters requires a good deal of dexterity and intact proprioception for effective use. Although the technology used today can compensate for small magnitude movements that occur in EPW driving but it is not able to recognize and adjust to more severe, unintentional movements, like those caused by higher magnitude tremors or other involuntary movements that are not accompanied by conscious intent like athetosis.5 In the meantime, until we develop and implement new technology that can reliably detect and adapt to these kinds of unintentional movements, a lot of people with conditions like athetosis, MS, ALS or spinal cord injuries won't be able to safely operate an electric power chair. The majority of wheelchairs can be customised and programmed with the assistance of a medical professional. These parameters include altering the torque generated by the motor and adjusting the speed of the chair. They can also be used to set the dead zone which is the amount of time that the EPW won't generate an output. Some controllers will also have the ability to store backup programs, which is useful for a doctor to keep in the event in the event of an emergency or clients with varying symptoms.