7,939 research outputs found
Passive-type intelligent walking support system "RT Walker"
No full textWe propose a concept of a new walking support system based on passive robotics for supporting elderly people, handicapped people, and blind people who have difficulties in walking, and develop a prototype of new walking support system referred to as RT Walker. RT Walker consists of a support frame, two casters, and two wheels with servo brakes, and has a passive dynamics with respect to the force/moment applied to it, because it does not have any actuators for driving it. RT Walker would be a system with many functions and a good maneuverability by controlling the brake torques of servo brakes appropriately based on Robot Technologies (RT). In this paper, we propose motion control algorithms of RT Walker for changing its apparent dynamics to adapt to the difficulties of the user, and for moving based on the information of an environment.link_to_subscribed_fulltex
The Internet as a medium for health services research. Part 2
No full textAim: To enable readers to make an informed decision about whether online research methods (ORMs) are appropriate for their studies.Background: Using an ORM is an innovative way of collecting data and many research designs, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups and ethnography, can be conducted online. There are many potential benefits that can be conferred on traditional research procedures when implemented via the internet, for example economy and convenience, as there are no travel or postal requirements. Depending on the data sample, participant access can also be increased by using an internet method, as it is possible to reach a large geographical span. The Internet can also offer full anonymity, if appropriate, and for some marginalised groups, such as those with mobility or communication difficulties, the internet is an inclusive method for their participation.The first paper in this series, Walker (2013), introduced ORMs in general and outlined what needs to be considered when ascertaining whether an ORM is appropriate for the specific research needed, including ethical, validity and sampling issues. It also discussed some of the ORMs that may be used.Discussion: This second paper outlines the considerations researchers need to make when designing an online interview or focus group to ensure their method is valid. The different tools that can be used for collecting data are also discussed. Analysis includes online qualitative data capture, such as collecting data from blogs, social networking sites, chat rooms or discussion lists. This paper also contains resources and references for further reading.Conclusion: ORMs can provide efficient and innovative methods for collecting data, although there are certain considerations needed to ensure that they are valid for given research questions.Implications for research/practice: As more ORMs are validated and as more people using the internet, there will be an emergence of online-only research. Careful consideration should be taken to determine whether using an ORM is an appropriate tool for the population and questions under study.<br/
Comment on: Tassain V, Attal N, Fletcher C, Brasseur L, Dégieux P, Chauvin M, Bouhassira D. Long term effects of oral sustained release morphine on neuropsychological performance in patients with chronic non-malignant pain. Pain 104: 389–400
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Randomised controlled trials in the evaluation of non-biomedical therapeutic interventions for pain: The gold standard?
No full textThis paper offers a critical review of important issues in the implementation and interpretation of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) used to evaluate non-biomedical therapeutic interventions for pain. The analysis of methodological issues focuses on the validity, relevance and clinical importance of outcome measures; sampling and randomization bias; blinding procedures used to control for the placebo response and therapist influences, and treatment standardisation. A key issue is that pain management is inextricably linked to the establishment of a therapeutic relationship. In such circumstances, it is argued that the 'gold standard' double-blind RCT is impracticable. Those relying on RCTs as sources of evidence need to be aware that an 'unblinded' RCT can enhance placebo responses to the intervention and introduce important sources of bias. The challenge faced by healthcare researchers is to identify alternative research designs able to provide valid and reliable evidence that the proposed therapeutic intervention is capable of achieving cost-effective, clinically important and personally relevant outcomes in naturalistic settings
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