Authors:
Miki Saijo
1
;
Makiko Watanabe
2
;
Sanae Aoshima
3
;
Norihiro Oda
3
;
Satoshi Matsumoto
4
and
Shishin Kawamoto
5
Affiliations:
1
Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
;
2
Tokyo University of Science, Japan
;
3
Kakegawa Kita Hospital, Japan
;
4
Yamaha Motor Engineering Co. and Ltd, Japan
;
5
Hokkaido University, Japan
Keyword(s):
Knowledge Creation, Tacit Knowledge, Health Care for Frail Elderly Persons, AT Devices, Technology Evaluation.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Artificial Intelligence
;
Communication, Collaboration and Information Sharing
;
Innovation Facilitation
;
Knowledge Management and Information Sharing
;
Knowledge-Based Systems
;
Symbolic Systems
Abstract:
As societies age, it is anticipated that we will see a sudden increase in the number of frail elderly persons. New assisted-technology (AT) devices to facilitate the activities of daily life (ADL), especially of walking, are essential for the healthy life of these people. However, frail elderly people suffer a variety of physical and mental weaknesses that tend to hinder their ability to make use of AT devices in the intended manner. Because of this, it is important that new AT devices undergo technology evaluation within the context in which they are to be used, but there is very little research in this area. In this study, frail elderly people in Japanese daycare centers and rehabilitation facilities were given a 4-wheel, power-assisted bicycle, called a “Life Walker” (LW), to ride, and technology evaluations were carried out based on functionality, usability, and experience as perceived by the frail elderly riders. The LW is considered to be best suited for those age 75 and older
assessed at level 1 to 3 under Japan’s long-term care insurance program, but the data for the 61 people at the rehabilitation facility who tried out the bicycle under the supervision of a resident physical therapist (PT), indicated that there was considerable individual deviation on the continued use of the AT device. The LW is also meant to enable frail elderly users who have difficulty walking to go outside and enjoy themselves more. It was found, however, that this effect was achieved only when the physical therapist intervened, gave encouragement, adjusted the bicycle settings as needed for the user, and otherwise created new knowledge. It was also found that in order for this kind of knowledge creation to take place, the bicycle must be used in an appropriate setting, the user needs to have a proactive attitude, and organizational support to ensure that therapists are appropriately assigned is necessary.
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