Hábitos defecatorios en niños y adolescentes con mielomeningocele. Resultados de una gran serie incorporados en forma prospectiva

Introduction. Myelomeningocele (MMC) is an embryologic neural tube defect. Aim. To determine defecatory habits in MMC patients older and younger than 4 years old according to medullary level and factors affecting catharsis. Patient and methods. Descriptive study of prospective cohort by multidisciplinary team at Posadas Hospital, from March 2003 to March 2017. Inclusion criteria: MMC catered. Exclusion criteria: colostomizated. Results. n = 301. Female: 54%. Age: 1 month to 17 years. Median age: 3 years. GI: 178 patients ≤ 4 years. GII: 123 patients > 4 years. In GI: 82% normal defecation vs. 15% in GII; GI 18% constipation; GII 11% constipation, 79% incontinence. According medullary level: high (thoracic and high lumbar), low (middle lumbar, low lumbar and sacral). Constipation in GI: High 24% and in Low 14% (p = 0.13). GII incontinence in 86% High and in 73% Low (p = 0.06). 37% of walkers without aid, 23% of the children using valves and only 12% of wheelchair bound patients were continent (p = 0.01). Normal school: 30% continent; and 6% who continent attended special school (p = 0.001). Conclusions. 1) More frequent evacuation abnormalities after age of sphincteric control. 2) In ≤ 4 years old, constipation wasn´t related to medullary level; ≥ 4 years old patients defecatory trouble was directly. proportional to medullary level. 3) Special school pupils and wheelchair bound patients > 4 years experienced incontinence degree significantly higher. 4) No difference in defecatory trouble with or without urinary Catheterization. 5) More incontinence in > 4 with ventriculoperitoneal shunt. 6) Functional encopresis must be considered in association with organic factors in this patients.

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ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN;

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2017.24.05.1290 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (05) ◽

pp. 675-679

Author(s):

Tanvir Jahan ◽

M. Ishaq - ◽

Arif Siddiq

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Age Estimation ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Included Study ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Surrounding Areas ◽

Time Of Admission ◽

Prevalence Of Anemia

Objectives: To detect the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women in Multan inorder to decrease the maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.Study designs: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted among pregnant womenattending Ibn-e-Siena Hospital. A total no. of 405 women were enrolled in this study. Studysetting: Study was conducted at Ibn-e-Siena Hospital Multan, Gynae department. It’s a teachinghospital draining Multan district and surrounding areas. Period: 1 year from May 2013 to June2014. Material Methods: All the pregnant ladies coming to Ibn-e-Siena Hospital in Obstetricsoutpatient department or through emergency and full filling the inclusion criteria were includedin this study. Hemoglobin %age estimation was performed at the time of admission and theladies were included in study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: A total no. of405 pregnant women were included study. Among them 71.35% were found to be anemic and28.65% were non anemic. Conclusion: Anemia is highly prevalent among pregnant ladies inMultan Region. Prompt measures should be taken at local and higher levels to prevent and treatthis problem in order to reduce its associated morbidity and mortality.

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Early weaning, survey of nursing scientific production from 1980 to 2009

Revista de Enfermagem UFPE on line ◽

10.5205/reuol.1262-12560-1-le.0508201127 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 5 (8) ◽

pp. 2017

Author(s):

Paula Natasha Rodrigues Valentim ◽

Natasha Firmino Souto ◽

Adamila Carvalho Joca ◽

Isolda Pereira Silveira ◽

Ana Fátima Carvalho Fernandes

Keyword(s):

Descriptive Study ◽

Scientific Production ◽

Research Tool ◽

Care Practice ◽

Direct Connection ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Early Weaning ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Study Results ◽

Las Mujeres

ABSTRACTObjective: to assess the nursing scientific production related to early weaning from 1980 to 2009. Method: this is a descriptive study, whose data were collected by accessing the BDEnf, Scielo, Lilacs and Capes databases. The following keywords were used: Breast Feeding and Weaning. 55 abstracts were selected, the inclusion criteria were: having complete abstract, have a direct connection to the topic and being published between 1980 and 2009. The exclusion criteria were: absence of abstract or incomplete, repeated articles and produced outside the nursing area. We read, analyzed and identified the following aspects: source and decade of publication, research tool and theme of study. Results: 20 abstracts from post-graduation were found. The decade with largest publication was 2000 with 36 works. Most studies found focused on the quantitative approach, 23 used interviews as research tool and the main topics discussed were: the factors related to early weaning and the significance of early weaning for women. Conclusion: the scientific studies on the theme, although is growing, is still scarce. It is appropriate that nurses, besides acting in care practice, also have interest in the practice of scientific production and research. Descriptors: weaning; nursing; review.RESUMOObjetivo: analisar as produções científicas de Enfermagem relacionadas ao desmame precoce no período de 1980 a 2009. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, cujos dados foram coletados a partir do banco de dados BDEnf, Scielo, Lilacs e Capes. Utilizaram-se os descritores: amamentação e desmame precoce. Selecionou-se 55 resumos. Os critérios de inclusão foram resumo completo, possuir relação direta com a temática e ter sido publicado entre 1980 e 2009. Os critérios de exclusão foram: ausência de resumo ou resumo incompleto, artigos repetidos e produzidos fora da área da enfermagem. Analisou-se fonte e década de publicação, instrumento de pesquisa e tema de estudo. Resultados: encontrou-se 20 resumos advindos da pós-graduação. A década de maior publicação foi de 2000 com 36 trabalhos. A maioria dos trabalhos encontrados enfocou a abordagem quantitativa, 23 utilizaram a entrevista como instrumento de pesquisa e os principais temas abordados foram: os fatores relacionados ao desmame precoce e o significado deste desmame para as mulheres. Conclusão: a produção científica na temática, embora crescente, ainda é escassa. Os enfermeiros devem, além de atuarem na prática do cuidar, também se interessem pela prática de produção científica. Descritores: desmame; enfermagem; revisão.RESUMENObjetivo: analizar producciones científicas de Enfermería relacionados al destete precoz en el período de 1980 a 2009. Método: estudio descriptivo, con datos recogidos a través del acceso a las bases de datos BDEnf, SciELO, Lilacs y Capes. Se utilizaron los descriptores: lactancia materna y destete precoz. Se seleccionaron 55 resúmenes, donde los criterios de inclusión fueron: resumen completo, tener relación directa con el tema y con publicación entre 1980 y 2009. Mientras a los criterios de exclusión: ausencia de resumen o resumen incompleto, artículos repetidos y producidos fuera del campo de la enfermería. Fueron leídos, analizados e identificados los aspectos: origen y década de publicación, y herramienta de investigación de la investigación estudio y tema del estudio. Resultados: se encontraron 20 resúmenes procedentes del Posgrado. La década de mayor publicación fue de 2000 con 36 trabajos. La mayoría de los estudios poseía el enfoque cuantitativo, 23 utilizaron la entrevista como herramienta de investigación y los principales temas tratados fueron: los factores relacionados al destete precoz y el significado del destete precoz para las mujeres. Conclusión: la producción científica sobre el tema, aunque creciente, es todavía escasa. Es conveniente que los enfermeros, además de actuaren en la práctica asistencial, también se interesen por la práctica de la producción científica y la investigación. Descriptores: destete; enfermería; revisión.

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Description of Anemia Case on Referral Patients At Mother and Child Hospital Siti Hawa Padang in January – December 2018

JOURNAL OBGIN EMAS ◽

10.25077/aoj.4.2.186-191.2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 186-191

Author(s):

Herti Marni ◽

Desmiwarti Desmiwarti

Keyword(s):

Total Population ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Old Patients ◽

Mentawai Islands ◽

Mother And Child ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

Child Hospital ◽

The City

Anemia is the most common hematological disorder in pregnant women, primarily caused by iron deficiency. Many factors affect hemoglobin levels such as socioeconomic, educational level, age, parity, etc. Globally, there are 40.1% of women who experience anemia in pregnancy, with more than half due to iron deficiency.This study is a descriptive study using a cross sectional design with a population of anemic obstetric patients who were treated at Siti Hawa Hospital Padang from January 2018 to December 2018. All populations that met the inclusion criteria were taken as samples, so that 50 samples were obtained. Total population of hospitalized obstetric patient was 1994 patient.The results showed that the most obstetric patients with anemia found in 20-35 years old patients, in the second and third pregnancies. Most commonly found in non-bleeding patients with moderate degrees of anemia. The most patients came from Lubuk Begalung, Padang Timur, and Pauh. In addition, 3 patients were referred from outside the city of Padang, which are from the Mentawai Islands, Dharmasraya, and Pariaman.Keywords: anemia, age, parity, diagnosis, area

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Description of Anemia Case on Referral Patients At Mother and Child Hospital Siti Hawa Padang in January – December 2018

JOURNAL OBGIN EMAS ◽

10.25077/aoj.4.2.155-160.2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 155-160

Author(s):

Herti Marni ◽

Desmiwarti Desmiwarti

Keyword(s):

Total Population ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Old Patients ◽

Mentawai Islands ◽

Mother And Child ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

Child Hospital ◽

The City

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Adverse Effects of Natural Products: A Brief Pre-Systematic Review

Current Nutraceuticals ◽

10.2174/2665978601999200702163914 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 01 ◽

Author(s):

Carla Pires ◽

Ana Fernandes

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Adverse Event ◽

Natural Products ◽

Adverse Events ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Google Scholar ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Meta Analyses

Background: Natural products are commonly used for treating health problems. These products may be associated with adverse events, which are defined as "noxious and unintended response to a medicinal product" by the European Medicine Agency. Objectives: To identify studies describing at least one adverse event (or with potential to promote an adverse event) related to the use of natural products, as well as to describe the involved product(s) and adverse event(s). Methods: A pre-systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Keywords: "natural product(s)" and ["adverse drug reaction(s)" or "adverse effect(s)"]. Screened databases: PubMed, SciELO, DOAJ and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria: papers describing at least one adverse event associated with the use of natural products and published between 2017 and 2019. Exclusion criteria: Repeated studies, reviews and papers written in other languages than English, Portuguese, French or Spanish. Results: 104 studies were identified (20 PubMed; 0 SciELO; 2 DOAJ; 82 Google Scholar), but only 10 were selected (4 PubMed and 6 Google Scholar): 1 in-vitro study; 2 non-clinical studies, 1 study reporting in-vitro and clinical data and 5 studies were cases reports. Globally, 997 reports of adverse drug reactions with natural products were identified, mainly non-severe cases. Conclusion: Since a limited number of studies was found, we conclude that adverse events due to natural products may be underreported, or natural products may have a good safety profile. This review contributes for assuring the safety of natural products consumers, by evaluating the knowledge/information on the potential adverse events and interactions of these products.

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The association of triglyceride levels with the incidence of initial and recurrent acute pancreatitis

Lipids in Health and Disease ◽

10.1186/s12944-021-01488-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Robert J. Sanchez ◽

Wenzhen Ge ◽

Wenhui Wei ◽

Manish P. Ponda ◽

Robert S. Rosenson

Keyword(s):

Acute Pancreatitis ◽

Medical Records ◽

Adult Population ◽

Baseline Period ◽

Prior History ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis ◽

History Of ◽

Nationally Representative

Abstract Background This retrospective cohort study assessed the annualized incidence rate (IR) of acute pancreatitis (AP) in a nationally representative US adult population, as well as the variation in the risk of AP events across strata of triglyceride (TG) levels. Methods Data were obtained from IQVIA’s US Ambulatory Electronic Medical Records (EMR) database linked with its LRxDx Open Claims database. Inclusion criteria included ≥1 serum TG value during the overlapping study period of the EMR and claims databases, ≥1 claim in the 12-month baseline period, and ≥ 1 claim in the 12 months post index. All TG measurements were assigned to the highest category reached: < 2.26, ≥2.26 to ≤5.65, > 5.65 to ≤9.94, > 9.94, and > 11.29 mmol/L (< 200, ≥200 to ≤500, > 500 to ≤880, > 880, and > 1000 mg/dL, respectively). The outcome of interest was AP, defined as a hospitalization event with AP as the principal diagnosis. Results In total, 7,119,195 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, of whom 4158 (0.058%) had ≥1 AP events in the prior 12 months. Most patients (83%) had TGs < 2.26 mmol/L (< 200 mg/dL), while < 1% had TGs > 9.94 mmol/L (> 880 mg/dL). Overall, the IR of AP was low (0.08%; 95% confidence internal [CI], 0.08–0.08%), but increased with increasing TGs (0.08% in TGs < 2.26 mmol/L [< 200 mg/dL] to 1.21% in TGs > 11.29 mmol/L [> 1000 mg/dL]). In patients with a prior history of AP, the IR of AP increased dramatically; patients with ≥2 AP events at baseline had an IR of 29.98% (95% CI, 25.1–34.9%). Conclusion The risk of AP increases with increasing TG strata; however, the risk increases dramatically among patients with a recent history of AP.

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Applicability of the VOYAGER trial criteria: a cohort study on patients in the nationwide Danish Vascular Registry

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.2390 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

M Soegaard ◽

P.B Nielsen ◽

F Skjoeth ◽

T.B Larsen ◽

N Eldrup

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽

Funding Source ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Private Company ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Dual Pathway ◽

Event Rates ◽

Lower Extremity Revascularization

Abstract Introduction Peripheral artery disease (PAD) carries a high risk of debilitating stroke, myocardial infarction, and death. The VOYAGER PAD trial investigates whether rivaroxaban 2.5 mg plus aspirin vs aspirin alone leads to a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with symptomatic PAD undergoing revascularization. However, it is unclear whether patients enrolled in VOYAGER PAD reflect those undergoing lower extremity revascularization in daily clinical practice. Purpose To describe the proportion of patients eligible for the VOYAGER PAD trial within the nationwide Danish Vascular Registry (DVR), the reasons for ineligibility, and rates of cardiovascular outcomes in VOYAGER-eligible and VOYAGER-ineligible patients. Methods We identified and characterized all patients from 2000–2016 undergoing open surgical or endovascular revascularization for symptomatic PAD in the DVR and applied the VOYAGER inclusion and exclusion criteria. We computed one-year rates per 100 person-years of VOYAGER PAD trial endpoints of MACE, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, major amputation, major bleeding, cardiovascular (CV) death, and all cause death. Results In the DVR, 32,911 patients underwent lower extremity revascularization for symptomatic PAD and were evaluated for eligibility. Among these, 32.2% had at least one exclusion criteria and an additional 40.6% without exclusion criteria did not fulfil inclusion criteria. The “VOYAGER-eligible” population therefore comprised 27.2% of the identified patients (Figure 1A). Main reasons for exclusion were atrial fibrillation (30.7%), poorly regulated hypertension (19.6%), PCI or ACS within 12 months before (16.0%), treatment with strong inhibitors or inducers of cytochrome P450 (9.2%), active cancer (8.8%), and severe renal failure (8.3%). Main reasons for non-inclusion were aorto-iliac procedures (79.0%), non-successful revascularization (13.1%), and age<50 years (7.1%). Compared with “VOYAGER-eligible” patients, event rates were slightly lower among patients in the DVR not fulfilling inclusion criteria and markedly higher for “VOYAGER excluded” patients (Figure 1B). Conclusion In this nationwide cohort of symptomatic PAD patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization, 27.2% full filled the inclusion and exclusion criteria for dual pathway therapy in the VOYAGER PAD trial. Non-inclusion predominantly related to aorto-iliac procedures and were associated with lower event rates. Future studies are needed to clarify if these patients could also benefit from dual pathway therapy. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany

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Single-bone versus both-bone plating of unstable paediatric both-bone forearm fractures. A randomized controlled clinical trial

International Orthopaedics ◽

10.1007/s00264-021-05097-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed Khaled ◽

Amr A. Fadle ◽

Ahmed Khalil Attia ◽

Andrew Sami ◽

Abdelkhalek Hafez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Operative Time ◽

Forearm Fractures ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Fracture Union ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Bone Fixation ◽

Fixation Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Single Bone

Abstract Purpose This clinical trial compares the functional and radiological outcomes of single-bone fixation to both-bone fixation of unstable paediatric both-bone forearm fractures. Methods This individually randomized two-group parallel clinical trial was performed following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement at a single academic tertiary medical centre with an established paediatric orthopaedics unit. All children aged between nine and 15 years who presented to the emergency department at Assiut university with unstable diaphyseal, both-bone forearm fractures requiring surgical intervention between November 1, 2018, and February 28, 2020, were screened for eligibility against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were diaphyseal unstable fractures defined as shaft fractures between the distal and proximal metaphyses with an angulation of > 10°, and/or malrotation of > 30°, and/or displacement > 10 mm after attempted closed reduction. Exclusion criteria included open fractures, Galeazzi fractures, Monteggia fractures, radial head fractures, and associated neurovascular injuries. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to either the single-bone fixation group (intervention) or the both-bone fixation group (control). Primary outcomes were forearm range of motion and fracture union, while secondary outcomes were forearm function (price criteria), radius re-angulation, wrist and elbow range of motion, and surgical time Results A total of 50 children were included. Out of these 50 children, 25 were randomized to either arm of the study. All children in either group received the treatment assigned by randomization. Fifty (100%) children were available for final follow-up at six months post-operatively. The mean age of single-bone and both-bone fixation groups was 11.48 ± 1.93 and 13 ± 1.75 years, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.006). There were no statistically significant differences in gender, laterality, affection of the dominant hand, or mode of trauma between single-bone and both-bone fixation groups. All patients in both groups achieved fracture union. There mean radius re-angulation of the single-bone fixation groups was 5.36 ± 4.39 (0–20) degrees, while there was no radius re-angulation in the both-bone fixation group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The time to union in the single-bone group was 6.28 ± 1.51 weeks, while the time to union in the both-bone fixation group was 6.64 ± 1.75 weeks, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.44). There were no infections or refractures in either group. In the single-bone fixation group, 24 (96%) patients have regained their full forearm ROM (loss of ROM < 15°), while only one (4%) patient lost between 15 and 30° of ROM. In the both-bone fixation group, 23 (92%) patients have regained their full forearm ROM (loss of ROM < 15°), while only two (8%) patients lost between 15 and 30° of ROM. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in loss of forearm ROM (p = 0.55). All patients in both groups regained full ROM of their elbow and wrist joints. On price grading, 24 (96%) and 23 (92%) patients who underwent single bone fixation and both-bone fixation scored excellent, respectively. Only one (4%) patient in the single-bone fixation group and two (8%) patients in the both-bone fixation group scored good, with no statistically significant difference in price score between groups (p = 0.49). The majority of the patients from both groups had no pain on the numerical pain scale; 22 (88%) patients in the single-bone fixation group and 21 (84%) patients in the both-bone fixation groups, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.38). The single-bone fixation group had a significantly shorter mean operative time in comparison to both-bones plating (43.60 ± 6.21 vs. 88.60 ± 10.56 (min); p < 0.001). Conclusion Single-bone ulna open reduction and plate fixation and casting are safe and had a significantly shorter operative time than both-bone fixation. However, single-bone ORIF had a higher risk radius re-angulation, alas clinically acceptable. Both groups had equally excellent functional outcomes, forearm ROM, and union rates with no complications or refractures. Long-term studies are required.

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Prognosis in patients with prior myocardial infarction and PEGASUS-TIMI 54 criteria in the CLARIFY registry

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1431 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

S Biscaglia ◽

G Campo ◽

K Fox ◽

J.C Tardif ◽

M Tendera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Artery Bypass ◽

Real Life ◽

Prolonged Treatment ◽

Funding Source ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Private Company ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Background/Introduction The PEGASUS-TIMI 54 trial showed that prolonged treatment with ticagrelor reduces the cumulative occurrence of ischemic adverse events. CLARIFY is the biggest real life registry on chronic coronary syndrome. Purpose - To evaluate the percentage of patients eligible for long-term ticagrelor therapy in the CLARIFY registry. – To compare the outcome of this subgroup of patients with those with PEGASUS exclusion criteria or without PEGASUS inclusion criteria. Methods Within the CLARIFY population, we selected post MI patients and we excluded those with missing info (post MI evaluable population). Then, we divided patients into 3 groups: excluded (meeting PEGASUS exclusion criteria, namely use of P2Y12 receptor antagonists or chronic oral anticoagulant, any stroke, coronary-artery bypass grafting in the past 5 years); eligible (meeting PEGASUS high-risk inclusion criteria, namely age≥65 years; diabetes; multivessel disease; creatinine clearance <60 ml/min) and ineligible (not meeting PEGASUS high-risk inclusion criteria). We therefore compared the ischemic (CV death, MI and stroke) and bleeding (major bleeding) outcome of the 3 groups adjusting for age, sex, smoking and geographical region. Results Among the 11811 post-MI evaluable patients, 4706 (39.8%) were included in the eligible group, 5715 (48.4%) in the excluded group, and 1390 in the ineligible group (11.8%). Both the ischemic and bleeding endpoints were significantly different among the 3 groups with the excluded patients with the worst and ineligible patients with the best outcome (see table). The same trend was shown for CV death, while the occurrence of MI was not significantly different among the 3 groups. In the eligible group, the ratio between ischemic and bleeding events was 6:1, whereas between CV death and major bleeding was 3.5:1. Conclusions Around 40% of CLARIFY post-MI patients could benefit from prolonged ticagrelor therapy. In this group of patients, ischemic risk seems to be higher than the bleeding one. Ischemic & bleeding risk in the 3 groups Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): CLARIFY registry was funded by Servier

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Exoskeletons for all: The interplay between exoskeletons, inclusion, gender, and intersectionality

Paladyn Journal of Behavioral Robotics ◽

10.1515/pjbr-2020-0036 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 217-227 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Roger Andre Søraa ◽

Eduard Fosch-Villaronga

Keyword(s):

New Technology ◽

Health Condition ◽

End Users ◽

Target Market ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Wearable Robot ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Intersectionality Theory ◽

Design Choice ◽

The One

AbstractIn this article, we investigate the relation between gender and exoskeleton development through the lens of intersectionality theory. Exoskeleton users come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and genders. However, it is often the case that wearable robot engineers do not develop such devices primarily on the premise that the product should fit as many end users as possible. Instead, designers tend to use the one-size-fits-all approach – a design choice that seems legitimate from the return of an investment viewpoint but that may not do as much justice to end users. Intended users of exoskeletons have a series of user criteria, including height, weight, and health condition, in the case of rehabilitation. By having rigid inclusion criteria for whom the intended user of the technology can be, the exclusion criteria will grow in parallel. The implications and deep-rootedness of gender and diversity considerations in practices and structural systems have been largely disregarded. Mechanical and robot technology were historically seen as part of a distinct male sphere, and the criteria used today to develop new technology may reflect the biases that existed in another time that should no longer be valid. To make this technology available for all, we suggest some tools to designers and manufacturers to help them think beyond their target market and be more inclusive.

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