Assistive technology for Para-badminton athletes: the application of the matching person and technology theoretical model in occupational therapy

Abstract

Purpose

The objective was to identify the AT demands of para-athletes in para-badminton and present the process of prescription, and follow-up of the AT devices. Also, to evaluate the expectations and the level of satisfaction with the service provided and the AT device.

Materials and methods

Case study with 3 professional para-badminton athletes, that had as baseline the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) model, the Para-athlete Questionnaire, the AT Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA-Br), the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT (B-QUEST) and an Observation Script. The data were analyzed using absolute frequency statistics, and the qualitative data were grouped according to the categories of the MPT model.

Results

4 AT demands were identified: 1 insole, 1 wheelchair footrest adaptation, 1 armband, and 1 lower-limb strap, with prescription, and AT follow-up by the occupational therapist. The quantitative analysis showed a gain in athletes’ satisfaction with the AT devices, and in the expectations achieved with the use of the device.

Conclusions

The role of the occupational therapist in parasports, based on a theoretical model, can contribute to the successful use of AT and therefore better performance of para-athletes. Studies with different populations are necessary to improve knowledge in the area.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Understanding the Assistive Technology (AT) intervention, considering the use AT guidelines and the Matching Person and Technology (MPT).

• Presenting the intervention of an occupational therapist (OT) with paralympic athletes, more specifically in the area of AT in with relation to Para-badminton;

• Identifying the AT used and customized in para-badminton and their objectives;

• Identifying personal, contextual and technological factors that can interfere with the use of AT in parasports;

• Presenting the satisfaction with the AT device in the parasport, such as: insole, wheelchair footrest adaptation, armband and, lower-limb strap; before and after OT intervention in the area of AT;

• Knowing the satisfaction with the AT service provided by the occupational therapist based on the MPT model;

• Comprehending the use of the MPT conceptual model and application of the AT Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA-BR) for prescribing and monitoring AT use in the para-athlete population;

Keywords:

• Assistive technology
• parasport
• participation
• occupational therapy
• assessment
• people with disabilities

Acknowledgements

We thank the University of Brasilia (UnB), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development of Brazil (CNPQ), Centre for Assistive Technology, Accessibility, and Innovation of the West Central Brazil (NTAAI), the students and members of the extension program Oficina de Inovação e Tenologia Assistiva (OITA), and the para-athletes, administrators, and trainers of CETEFE for allowing and collaborating with the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Federal District Research Support Foundation. The authors are solely responsible for the content and writing of the article. This article is part of the Final Coursework of the first author, Luiz Filipe Lopes Soares, presented to the University of Brasilia as a requirement to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, under the supervision of the last author, Ana Cristina de Jesus Alves.