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Winterbottom L, Chen A, Mendonca R, Nilsen DM, Ciocarlie M, Stein J. Clinician perceptions of a novel wearable robotic hand orthosis for post-stroke hemiparesis. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38975689 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2375056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Wearable robotic devices are currently being developed to improve upper limb function for individuals with hemiparesis after stroke. Incorporating the views of clinicians during the development of new technologies can help ensure that end products meet clinical needs and can be adopted for patient care. METHODS In this cross-sectional mixed-methods study, an anonymous online survey was used to gather clinicians' perceptions of a wearable robotic hand orthosis for post-stroke hemiparesis. Participants were asked about their clinical experience and provided feedback on the prototype device after viewing a video. RESULTS 154 participants completed the survey. Only 18.8% had previous experience with robotic technology. The majority of participants (64.9%) reported that they would use the device for both rehabilitative and assistive purposes. Participants perceived that the device could be used in supervised clinical settings with all phases of stroke. Participants also indicated a need for insurance coverage and quick setup time. CONCLUSIONS Engaging clinicians early in the design process can help guide the development of wearable robotic devices. Both rehabilitative and assistive functions are valued by clinicians and should be considered during device development. Future research is needed to understand a broader set of stakeholders' perspectives on utility and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Winterbottom
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ava Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rochelle Mendonca
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dawn M Nilsen
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matei Ciocarlie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joel Stein
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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Lee EWJ, Tan WW, Pham BTP, Kawaja A, Theng YL. Addressing Data Absenteeism and Technology Chauvinism in the Use of Gamified Wearable Gloves Among Older Adults: Moderated Usability Study. JMIR Serious Games 2024; 12:e47600. [PMID: 38656778 PMCID: PMC11079763 DOI: 10.2196/47600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health technologies have the potential to improve health outcomes for older adults, especially for those recovering from stroke. However, there are challenges to developing these technologies, such as data absenteeism (where older adults' views are often underrepresented in research and development) and technology chauvinism (the belief that sophisticated technology alone is the panacea to addressing health problems), which hinder their effectiveness. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to address these challenges by developing a wearable glove integrated with culturally relevant exergames to motivate older adults to exercise and, for those recovering from stroke, to adhere to rehabilitation. METHODS We conducted a moderated usability study with 19 older adults, of which 11 (58%) had a history of stroke. Our participants engaged in a 30-minute gameplay session with the wearable glove integrated with exergames, followed by a quantitative survey and an in-depth interview. We used descriptive analysis to compare responses to the System Usability Scale between those who had a history of stroke and those who did not. In addition, we analyzed the qualitative interviews using a bottom-up thematic analysis to identify key themes related to the motivations and barriers regarding the use of wearable gloves for rehabilitation and exercise. RESULTS Our study generated several key insights. First, making the exergames exciting and challenging could improve exercise and rehabilitation motivation, but it could also have a boomerang effect, where participants may become demotivated if the games were very challenging. Second, the comfort and ease of use of the wearable gloves were important for older adults, regardless of their stroke history. Third, for older adults with a history of stroke, the functionality and purpose of the wearable glove were important in helping them with specific exercise movements. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of providing contextual support for the effective use of digital technologies, particularly for older adults recovering from stroke. In addition to technology and usability factors, other contextual factors such as gamification and social support (from occupational therapists or caregivers) should be considered to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing health problems. To overcome data absenteeism and technology chauvinism, it is important to develop digital health technologies that are tailored to the needs of underserved communities. Our study provides valuable insights for the development of digital health technologies that can motivate older adults recovering from stroke to exercise and adhere to rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund W J Lee
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Information Integrity and the Internet, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Warrick W Tan
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ben Tan Phat Pham
- Ageing Research Institute for Society and Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ariffin Kawaja
- StretchSkin Technologies Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yin-Leng Theng
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Ageing Research Institute for Society and Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Lin HP, Xu Y, Zhang X, Woolley D, Zhao L, Liang W, Huang M, Cheng HJ, Zhang L, Wenderoth N. A usability study on mobile EMG-guided wrist extension training in subacute stroke patients-MyoGuide. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:39. [PMID: 38515192 PMCID: PMC10956308 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01334-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective stroke rehabilitation requires high-dose, repetitive-task training, especially during the early recovery phase. However, the usability of upper-limb rehabilitation technology in acute and subacute stroke survivors remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we introduce subacute stroke survivors to MyoGuide, a mobile training platform that employs surface electromyography (sEMG)-guided neurofeedback training that specifically targets wrist extension. Notably, the study emphasizes evaluating the platform's usability within clinical contexts. METHODS Seven subacute post-stroke patients (1 female, mean age 53.7 years, mean time post-stroke 58.9 days, mean duration per training session 48.9 min) and three therapists (one for eligibility screening, two for conducting training) participated in the study. Participants underwent ten days of supervised one-on-one wrist extension training with MyoGuide, which encompassed calibration, stability assessment, and dynamic tasks. All training records including the Level of Difficulty (LoD) and Stability Assessment Scores were recorded within the application. Usability was assessed through the System Usability Scale (SUS) and participants' willingness to continue home-based training was gauged through a self-developed survey post-training. Therapists also documented the daily performance of participants and the extent of support required. RESULTS The usability analysis yielded positive results, with a median SUS score of 82.5. Compared to the first session, participants significantly improved their performance at the final session as indicated by both the Stability Assessment Scores (p = 0.010, mean = 229.43, CI = [25.74-433.11]) and the LoD (p < 0.001; mean: 45.43, CI: [25.56-65.29]). The rate of progression differed based on the initial impairment levels of the patient. After training, participants expressed a keen interest in continuing home-based training. However, they also acknowledged challenges related to independently using the Myo armband and software. CONCLUSIONS This study introduces the MyoGuide training platform and demonstrates its usability in a clinical setting for stroke rehabilitation, with the assistance of a therapist. The findings support the potential of MyoGuide for wrist extension training in patients across a wide range of impairment levels. However, certain usability challenges, such as donning/doffing the armband and navigating the application, need to be addressed to enable independent MyoGuide training requiring only minimal supervision by a therapist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ping Lin
- Singapore-ETH Centre, Future Health Technologies Programme, CREATE campus, 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, #06-01, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 16 Puhe Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110134, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neural Control of Movement Lab, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 37/39 GLC G17.2, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Woolley
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neural Control of Movement Lab, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 37/39 GLC G17.2, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Lina Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 16 Puhe Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110134, China
| | - Weidi Liang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 16 Puhe Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110134, China
| | - Mengdi Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 16 Puhe Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110134, China
| | - Hsiao-Ju Cheng
- Singapore-ETH Centre, Future Health Technologies Programme, CREATE campus, 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, #06-01, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 16 Puhe Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110134, China
| | - Nicole Wenderoth
- Singapore-ETH Centre, Future Health Technologies Programme, CREATE campus, 1 Create Way, CREATE Tower, #06-01, Singapore, 138602, Singapore.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neural Control of Movement Lab, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 37/39 GLC G17.2, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.
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Proulx CE, Higgins J, Vincent C, Vaughan T, Hewko M, Gagnon DH. User-centered development process of an operating interface to couple a robotic glove with a virtual environment to optimize hand rehabilitation following a stroke. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2023; 10:20556683231166574. [PMID: 37077202 PMCID: PMC10107379 DOI: 10.1177/20556683231166574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Task-specific neurorehabilitation is crucial to optimize hand recovery shortly after a stroke, but intensive neurorehabilitation remains limited in resource-constrained healthcare systems. This has led to a growing interest in the use of robotic gloves as an adjunct intervention to intensify hand-specific neurorehabilitation. This study aims to develop and assess the usability of an operating interface supporting such a technology coupled with a virtual environment through a user-centered design approach. Methods Fourteen participants with hand hemiparesis following a stroke were invited to don the robotic glove before browsing through the operating interface and its functionalities, and perform two mobility exercises in a virtual environment. Feedback was collected for improving technology usability. Participants completed the System Usability Scale and ABILHAND questionnaires and their recommendations were gathered and prioritized in a Pugh Matrix. Results The System Usability Scale (SUS) score for the operating interface was excellent (M = 87.0 SD = 11.6). A total of 74 recommendations to improve the user interface, calibration process, and exercise usability were identified. Conclusion The application of a full cycle of user-centred design approach confirms the high level of usability of the system which is perceived by end users as acceptable and useful for intensifying neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- CE Proulx
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty
of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary
Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Institut Universitaire sur la
Réadaptation en Déficience Physique de Montréal, CIUSSS
Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - J Higgins
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty
of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary
Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Institut Universitaire sur la
Réadaptation en Déficience Physique de Montréal, CIUSSS
Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - C Vincent
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary
Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé
et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - T Vaughan
- Simulation and Digital Health,
Medical Devices Research Centre, National Research Council
Canada, Boucherville, QC, Canada
| | - M Hewko
- Simulation and Digital Health,
Medical Devices Research Centre, National Research Council Canada,
Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - DH Gagnon
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty
of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary
Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Institut Universitaire sur la
Réadaptation en Déficience Physique de Montréal, CIUSSS
Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- DH Gagnon, School of Rehabilitation,
Université de Montréal-Pavillon Ave du Parc, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-Ville,
Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Alguacil-Diego IM, Cuesta-Gómez A, Contreras-González AF, Pont-Esteban D, Cantalejo-Escobar D, Sánchez-Urán MÁ, Ferre M. Validation of a Hybrid Exoskeleton for Upper Limb Rehabilitation. A Preliminary Study. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:7342. [PMID: 34770647 PMCID: PMC8588535 DOI: 10.3390/s21217342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recovery of therapeutic or functional ambulatory capacity in patients with rotator cuff injury is a primary goal of rehabilitation. Wearable powered exoskeletons allow patients to perform repetitive practice with large movements to maximize recovery, even immediately after the acute event. The aim of this paper is to describe the usability, acceptability and acceptance of a hybrid exoskeleton for upper-limb passive rehabilitation using the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. This equipment, called ExoFlex, is defined as a hybrid exoskeleton since it is made up of rigid and soft components. The exoskeleton mechanical description is presented along with its control system and the way motion is structured in rehabilitation sessions. Seven patients (six women and one man) have participated in the evaluation of this equipment, which are in the range of 50 to 79 years old. Preliminary evidence of the acceptance and usability by both patients and clinicians are very promising, obtaining an average score of 80.71 in the SUS test, as well as good results in a questionnaire that evaluates the clinicians' perceived usability of ExoFlex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel-María Alguacil-Diego
- Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Campus de Alcorcón, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (I.-M.A.-D.); (A.C.-G.)
| | - Alicia Cuesta-Gómez
- Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Campus de Alcorcón, Av. de Atenas, s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (I.-M.A.-D.); (A.C.-G.)
| | - Aldo-Francisco Contreras-González
- Centro de Automática y Robótica (CAR) UPM-CSIC, ETS Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Calle de José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.-F.C.-G.); (D.P.-E.); (D.C.-E.); (M.Á.S.-U.)
| | - David Pont-Esteban
- Centro de Automática y Robótica (CAR) UPM-CSIC, ETS Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Calle de José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.-F.C.-G.); (D.P.-E.); (D.C.-E.); (M.Á.S.-U.)
| | - David Cantalejo-Escobar
- Centro de Automática y Robótica (CAR) UPM-CSIC, ETS Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Calle de José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.-F.C.-G.); (D.P.-E.); (D.C.-E.); (M.Á.S.-U.)
| | - Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Urán
- Centro de Automática y Robótica (CAR) UPM-CSIC, ETS Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Calle de José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.-F.C.-G.); (D.P.-E.); (D.C.-E.); (M.Á.S.-U.)
- ETS Ingeniería y Diseño Industrial, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ronda de Valencia, 3, 28012 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Ferre
- Centro de Automática y Robótica (CAR) UPM-CSIC, ETS Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Calle de José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.-F.C.-G.); (D.P.-E.); (D.C.-E.); (M.Á.S.-U.)
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