The REAR Lab regularly conducts studies that require participants. If you are interested in contributing to one or more of the current studies, please consider contacting us at rearlab@gatech.edu.
Product Evaluation and Development Activities
The REAR Lab periodically engages people with disabilities to assist us with product evaluation and development.
People with disabilities use assistive and mainstream technologies during everyday life to enhance function and independence. Mainstream technology encompasses products commonly utilized by and marketed towards the general population. These devices serve a broad spectrum of users across a variety of demographics and professions, with examples including computer input devices, headphones, and personal IoT devices. In contrast, assistive technology (AT) is specifically designed to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Examples include wheelchairs, raised toilet seats, and adaptive utensils.
What Will You Be Asked to Do?
Product evaluation and development can include a wide variety of activities, including:
- Discuss the use of existing technology devices that you currently use.
- Discuss your abilities and functional needs with the design team.
- Review prototype devices or commercial products to collect your insights on usefulness
- Participate in the design process through brainstorming and other activities that seek to identify solutions.
You are never obligated to participate, rather we will simply extend to opportunity.
If you are interested in being contacted periodically, please send us an email to rearlab@gatech.edu and let us know a few of the technologies that you use as a part of your everyday life. We’ll reach out when we have an opportunity for you to become involved.
Current Studies
Development of Technologies to Increase In-Seat Movement to Prevent Sitting-Acquired Pressure Injuries in Wheelchair Users
Study Length:
- 13-weeks
- 6 study visits total
- Up to 3 visits may be in person
Study Location:
801 Atlantic Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30318
Compensation:
$400
More Info:
We are conducting a research study to test two pressure mapping systems that connect to a SmartPhone using Bluetooth technology, and that can measure the pressure between you and your wheelchair cushion.
Eligible participants must be:
- 18 years of age or older
- Require full-time wheelchair use for mobility
- Use a skin protection and positioning wheelchair cushion
- Able to perform weight shifts independently.
Study participation involves using two types of pressure mapping systems with your wheelchair cushion that are connected by Bluetooth to a mobile app on your smartphone. One of the apps will show areas of high pressure on your pressure mat or may tell you to perform movements to relieve pressure in those areas. The other app will provide you with knowledge about your preventative pressure relief behaviors. You will attend up to 3 in-person study visits at our lab on Georgia Tech’s campus during which you will receive education about pressure injury prevention, complete questionnaires, and receive training on the pressure mapping systems and mobile applications. Study participation will last for approximately 13 weeks.
You will be paid $200 for each 4-week intervention phase and post-intervention visit/call (there are 2 total) that you complete, totaling $400 in remuneration for the 13-week study. If you miss a study visit or intervention phase, your total payment will be prorated accordingly. You will also receive parking vouchers or a handicapped parking pass (one day) for each in-person study visit.
Contact:
Katie Jordan
