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Celian C, Redd H, Smaller K, Ryali P, Patton JL, Reinkensmeyer DJ, Rafferty MR. Uncovering clinical rehabilitation technology trends: field observations, mixed methods analysis, and data visualization. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.05.24303809. [PMID: 38496469 PMCID: PMC10942504 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.24303809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective To analyze real-world rehabilitation technology (RT) use, with a view toward enhancing RT development and adoption. Design A convergent, mixed-methods study using direct field observations, semi-structured templates, and summative content analysis. Setting Ten neurorehabilitation units in a single health system. Participants 3 research clinicians (1OT, 2PTs) observed ∼60 OTs and 70 PTs in inpatient; ∼18 OTs and 30 PTs in outpatient. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Characteristics of RT, time spent setting up and using RT, and clinician behaviors. Results 90 distinct devices across 15 different focus areas were inventoried. 329 RT-uses were documented over 44 hours with 42% of inventoried devices used. RT was used more during interventions (72%) than measurement (28%). Intervention devices used frequently were balance/gait (39%), strength/endurance (30%), and transfer/mobility training (16%). Measurement devices were frequently used to measure vitals (83%), followed by grip strength (7%), and upper extremity function (5%). Device characteristics were predominately AC-powered (56%), actuated (57%), monitor-less (53%), multi-use (68%), and required little familiarization (57%). Set-up times were brief (mean ± SD = 3.8±4.21 and 0.8±1.3 for intervention and measurement, respectively); more time was spent with intervention RT (25.6±15) than measurement RT (7.3±11.2). RT nearly always involved verbal instructions (72%) with clinicians providing more feedback on performance (59.7%) than on results (30%). Therapists' attention was split evenly between direct attention towards the patient during clinician treatment (49.7%) and completing other tasks such as documentation (50%). Conclusions Even in a tech-friendly hospital, majority of available RT were observed un-used, but identifying these usage patterns is crucial to predict eventual adoption of new designs from earlier stages of RT development. An interactive data visualization page supplement is provided to facilitate this study.
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Meyer JT, Tanczak N, Kanzler CM, Pelletier C, Gassert R, Lambercy O. Design and validation of a novel online platform to support the usability evaluation of wearable robotic devices. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 4:e3. [PMID: 38487781 PMCID: PMC10936320 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2022.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Wearable robotic devices (WRD) are still struggling to fulfill their vast potential. Inadequate daily life usability is one of the main hindrances to increased technology acceptance. Improving usability evaluation practices during the development of WRD could help address these limitations. In this work, we present the design and validation of a novel online platform aiming to fill this gap, the Interactive Usability Toolbox (IUT). This platform consists of a public website that offers an interactive, context-specific search within a database of 154 user research methods and educational information about usability. In a dedicated study, the effect of this platform to support usability evaluation was investigated. Twelve WRD experts were asked to complete the task of defining usability evaluation protocols for two specific use cases. The platform was provided to support one of the use cases. The quality and composition of the proposed protocols were assessed by (i) two blinded reviewers, (ii) the participants themselves, and (iii) the study coordinators. We showed that using the IUT significantly affected the proposed evaluation focus, shifting protocols from mainly effectiveness-oriented to more user-focused studies. The protocol quality, as rated by the external reviewers, remained equivalent to those designed with conventional strategies. A mixed-method usability evaluation of the platform yielded an overall positive image, with detailed suggestions for further improvements. The IUT is expected to positively affect the evaluation and development of WRD through its educational value, the context-specific recommendations supporting ongoing benchmarking endeavors, and highlighting the value of qualitative user research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan T. Meyer
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Natalie Tanczak
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christoph M. Kanzler
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Colin Pelletier
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Gassert
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Olivier Lambercy
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
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Hamdan PNF, Hamzaid NA, Abd Razak NA, Hasnan N. Contributions of the Cybathlon championship to the literature on functional electrical stimulation cycling among individuals with spinal cord injury: A bibliometric review. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2022; 11:671-680. [PMID: 33068748 PMCID: PMC9729926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to its clinically proven safety and health benefits, functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling has become a popular exercise modality for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Since its inception in 2013, the Cybathlon championship has been a platform for publicizing the potential of FES cycling in rehabilitation and exercise for individuals with SCI. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of the Cybathlon championship to the literature on FES cycling for individuals with SCI 3 years pre and post the staging of the Cybathlon championship in 2016. METHODS Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant studies published between January 2013 and July 2019. The quality of the included studies was objectively evaluated using the Downs and Black checklist. RESULTS A total of 129 articles on FES cycling were retained for analysis. A total of 51 articles related to Cybathlon were reviewed, and 14 articles were ultimately evaluated for the quality. In 2017, the year following the Cybathlon championship, Web of Science cited 23 published studies on the championship, which was almost 5-fold more than that in 2016 (n = 5). Training was most often reported as a topic of interest in these studies, which mostly (76.7%) highlighted the training parameters of interest to participating teams in their effort to maximize their FES cycling performance during the Cybathlon championship. CONCLUSION The present study indicates that the Cybathlon championship in 2016 contributed to the number of literature published in 2017 on FES cycling for individuals with SCI. This finding may contribute to the lessons that can be learned from participation in the Cybathlon and potentially provide additional insights into research in the field of race-based FES cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puteri Nur Farhana Hamdan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Nur Azah Hamzaid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Nasrul Anuar Abd Razak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Nazirah Hasnan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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Meyer JT, Gassert R, Lambercy O. An analysis of usability evaluation practices and contexts of use in wearable robotics. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2021; 18:170. [PMID: 34886902 PMCID: PMC8656061 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00963-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND User-centered design approaches have gained attention over the past decade, aiming to tackle the technology acceptance issues of wearable robotic devices to assist, support or augment human capabilities. While there is a consensus that usability is key to user-centered design, dedicated usability evaluation studies are scarce and clear evaluation guidelines are missing. However, the careful consideration and integration of user needs appears to be essential to successfully develop an effective, efficient, and satisfactory human-robot interaction. It is primarily the responsibility of the developer, to ensure that this users involvement takes place throughout the design process. METHODS Through an online survey for developers of wearable robotics, we wanted to understand how the design and evaluation in actual daily practice compares to what is reported in literature. With a total of 31 questions, we analyzed the most common wearable robotic device applications and their technology maturity, and how these influence usability evaluation practices. RESULTS A total of 158 responses from a heterogeneous population were collected and analyzed. The dataset representing contexts of use for augmentation (16.5%), assistance (38.0%), therapy (39.8%), as well as few other specific applications (5.7%), allowed for an insightful analysis of the influence of technology maturity on user involvement and usability evaluation. We identified functionality, ease of use, and performance as the most evaluated usability attributes and could specify which measures are used to assess them. Also, we could underline the frequent use of qualitative measures alongside the expected high prevalence of performance-metrics. In conclusion of the analysis, we derived evaluation recommendations to foster user-centered design and usability evaluation. CONCLUSION This analysis might serve as state-of-the-art comparison and recommendation for usability studies in wearable robotics. We believe that by motivating for more balanced, comparable and user-oriented evaluation practices, we may support the wearable robotics field in tackling the technology acceptance limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Thomas Meyer
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Gassert
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence And Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Olivier Lambercy
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence And Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
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Converging Robotic Technologies in Targeted Neural Rehabilitation: A Review of Emerging Solutions and Challenges. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21062084. [PMID: 33809721 PMCID: PMC8002299 DOI: 10.3390/s21062084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of neural rehabilitation, facilitated through technological innovation and improved neurophysiological knowledge of impaired motor control, have opened up new research directions. Such advances increase the relevance of existing interventions, as well as allow novel methodologies and technological synergies. New approaches attempt to partially overcome long-term disability caused by spinal cord injury, using either invasive bridging technologies or noninvasive human-machine interfaces. Muscular dystrophies benefit from electromyography and novel sensors that shed light on underlying neuromotor mechanisms in people with Duchenne. Novel wearable robotics devices are being tailored to specific patient populations, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, and amputated individuals. In addition, developments in robot-assisted rehabilitation may enhance motor learning and generate movement repetitions by decoding the brain activity of patients during therapy. This is further facilitated by artificial intelligence algorithms coupled with faster electronics. The practical impact of integrating such technologies with neural rehabilitation treatment can be substantial. They can potentially empower nontechnically trained individuals-namely, family members and professional carers-to alter the programming of neural rehabilitation robotic setups, to actively get involved and intervene promptly at the point of care. This narrative review considers existing and emerging neural rehabilitation technologies through the perspective of replacing or restoring functions, enhancing, or improving natural neural output, as well as promoting or recruiting dormant neuroplasticity. Upon conclusion, we discuss the future directions for neural rehabilitation research, diagnosis, and treatment based on the discussed technologies and their major roadblocks. This future may eventually become possible through technological evolution and convergence of mutually beneficial technologies to create hybrid solutions.
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Dittli J, Hofmann UAT, Bützer T, Smit G, Lambercy O, Gassert R. Remote Actuation Systems for Fully Wearable Assistive Devices: Requirements, Selection, and Optimization for Out-of-the-Lab Application of a Hand Exoskeleton. Front Robot AI 2021; 7:596185. [PMID: 33585573 PMCID: PMC7876397 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2020.596185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Wearable robots assist individuals with sensorimotor impairment in daily life, or support industrial workers in physically demanding tasks. In such scenarios, low mass and compact design are crucial factors for device acceptance. Remote actuation systems (RAS) have emerged as a popular approach in wearable robots to reduce perceived weight and increase usability. Different RAS have been presented in the literature to accommodate for a wide range of applications and related design requirements. The push toward use of wearable robotics in out-of-the-lab applications in clinics, home environments, or industry created a shift in requirements for RAS. In this context, high durability, ergonomics, and simple maintenance gain in importance. However, these are only rarely considered and evaluated in research publications, despite being drivers for device abandonment by end-users. In this paper, we summarize existing approaches of RAS for wearable assistive technology in a literature review and compare advantages and disadvantages, focusing on specific evaluation criteria for out-of-the-lab applications to provide guidelines for the selection of RAS. Based on the gained insights, we present the development, optimization, and evaluation of a cable-based RAS for out-of-the-lab applications in a wearable assistive soft hand exoskeleton. The presented RAS features full wearability, high durability, high efficiency, and appealing design while fulfilling ergonomic criteria such as low mass and high wearing comfort. This work aims to support the transfer of RAS for wearable robotics from controlled lab environments to out-of-the-lab applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dittli
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs A. T. Hofmann
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Bützer
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerwin Smit
- Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Olivier Lambercy
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Gassert
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Romero Avila E, Junker E, Disselhorst-Klug C. Introduction of a sEMG Sensor System for Autonomous Use by Inexperienced Users. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E7348. [PMID: 33371409 PMCID: PMC7767446 DOI: 10.3390/s20247348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Wearable devices play an increasing role in the rehabilitation of patients with movement disorders. Although information about muscular activation is highly interesting, no approach exists that allows reliable collection of this information when the sensor is applied autonomously by the patient. This paper aims to demonstrate the proof-of-principle of an innovative sEMG sensor system, which can be used intuitively by patients while detecting their muscular activation with sufficient accuracy. The sEMG sensor system utilizes a multichannel approach based on 16 sEMG leads arranged circularly around the limb. Its design enables a stable contact between the skin surface and the system's dry electrodes, fulfills the SENIAM recommendations regarding the electrode size and inter-electrode distance and facilitates a high temporal resolution. The proof-of-principle was demonstrated by elbow flexion/extension movements of 10 subjects, proving that it has root mean square values and a signal-to-noise ratio comparable to commercial systems based on pre-gelled electrodes. Furthermore, it can be easily placed and removed by patients with reduced arm function and without detailed knowledge about the exact positioning of the sEMG electrodes. With its features, the demonstration of the sEMG sensor system's proof-of-principle positions it as a wearable device that has the potential to monitor muscular activation in home and community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catherine Disselhorst-Klug
- Department of Rehabilitation & Prevention Engineering, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 20, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.R.A.); (E.J.)
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Draaisma LR, Wessel MJ, Hummel FC. Neurotechnologies as tools for cognitive rehabilitation in stroke patients. Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:1249-1261. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1820324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurijn R. Draaisma
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian J. Wessel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Friedhelm C. Hummel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
- Clinical Neuroscience, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
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