User Satisfaction a nd Functional Trunk Support Using a Robotic Assistive Device: A Pilot Study

Ahmad Zahid Rao; Bisma Mushtaq; Ghayoor Ahmed Khan Ghauri; Rabeea Adeen; Muhammad Zawyar Siddiqui; Muhammad Abul Hasan

doi:https://doi.org/10.36283/pjr.zu.15.1/006

Author(s)

Ahmad Zahid Rao Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology,Karachi,Pakistan

Bisma Mushtaq Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology,Karachi,Pakistan

Ghayoor Ahmed Khan Ghauri Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology,Karachi,Pakistan

Rabeea Adeen Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology,Karachi,Pakistan

Muhammad Zawyar Siddiqui Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology,Karachi,Pakistan

Muhammad Abul Hasan Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology,Karachi,Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Neurological, spinal, or age-related variables can cause trunk mobility impairments, which impair posture control and raise the risk of falls, both of which have an adverse eefct on quality of life. Few active and passive trunk -assistive devices have bee n created to help these people, but their portability, range of motion, and customizability are limited. The aim of this study is to create and asse ss a novel, active trunk assistive technology that overcomes these constraints. Methodology: An active wheelchair add -on device design was suggested using intelligent Dynamixel actuators. Its four degrees of freedom movement design comprised movable pulleys and a configurable jacket harness. Ten healthy participants (male: age 31.2 ± 6.55 years and female: age 26.5 ± 6.61 years) completed the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) and System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaires to provide feedback on the device's performance. A dditionally, statistical analysis was used in order to further evaluate device usefulness. Results: A high degree of user satisfaction is shown by the QUEST score of 4.2 ± 0.4 and the SUS mean score of 71.25 ± 7.84, with 7 pa rticipants exceeding the threshold of 65. P-value (0.041) < a (0.05) in one sample t-test on SUS scores indicated higher device usability than the acceptable score of 65. The outcomes confirm how well the design works in terms of convenience, comfort, and security. Conclusion: The suggested design demonstrated the potential to enhance trunk mobility and support everyday activities for those with poor trunk control because of its increased range of motion, adjustable harness, and portability. It eefctively addresses the shortco mings of the current trunk support devices.

Publication Details

Page(s) 19-25

DOI https://doi.org/10.36283/pjr.zu.15.1/006

Published Journal: Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation, Volume: 15, Issue: 1, Year: 2026

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Keywords

Pakistan suefr from some kind of disability, with physical

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