6 November, 2024
The research study, “Functional performance comparison of long cane and secondary electronic travel aids for mobility enhancement” (R.Jin et al, October 2024), recently published in the British Journal of Visual Impairment, aimed to compare the functional performance of the long cane with secondary electronic travel aids (ETAs), such as the MiniGuide and vOICe, in enhancing mobility for individuals with visual impairments.
The long cane, though effective, has limitations in detecting overhanging obstacles and dynamic environments. ETAs were evaluated for their ability to improve object detection and obstacle avoidance.
The study found that while ETAs increased hesitation times and decreased task efficiency, they improved detection accuracy and stability, especially at greater distances. These results suggest ETAs can enhance safety and awareness when used alongside the long cane, although further training may optimise their effectiveness.
This project was listed on Retina Australia’s IRD Research Project and Clinical Trial Register to assist with patient recruitment for the study.
Key Aim
The project aimed to compare the functional performance of the long cane and two secondary electronic travel aids (ETAs)—the MiniGuide and the vOICe—in enhancing the mobility of individuals with visual impairments.
The focus was on object detection, obstacle avoidance, and evaluating the impact of ETAs on user efficiency, effectiveness, and gait stability.
Key Outcomes
- ETAs improved effectiveness in object detection, increasing success rates (especially at greater distances) and reducing the swing angle of the long cane.
- The use of ETAs resulted in decreased efficiency, leading to longer completion and hesitation times due to increased cognitive load.
- Participants exhibited better stability when using ETAs, particularly with the head-mounted vOICe, which increased their margin of stability during mobility tasks.
- While ETAs enhanced detection and safety range, they did not significantly alter the established cane usage patterns in obstacle avoidance tasks.
- A trade-off between safety and efficiency was noted, with longer hesitation times but improved obstacle detection and avoidance with ETAs.
https://retinaaustralia.com.au/new-research-comparison-of-long-cane-and-electronic-travel-aids-for-mobility/
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