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Nast I, Scheermesser M, Ernst M, Sommer B, Schmid P, Weisenhorn M, E B, Gomez D, Iten P, von Wartburg A, Frey W, Lünenburger L, Bauer C. Usability of a visual feedback system to assess and improve movement disorders related to neck pain: Perceptions of physical therapists and patients. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26931. [PMID: 38434337 PMCID: PMC10907800 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
A prototype visual feedback system has been developed to assess and improve movement disorders related to neck pain. The aim of this study was to assess the usability of the prototype in a rehabilitation setting. Twelve physical therapists integrated the device into their regular therapy programs for 24 neck pain patients with movement disorders. Each patient performed three individual therapy sessions with the device under physical therapist supervision. Usability was assessed by the physical therapists and patients using therapy diaries, the System Usability Scale, and focus group or personal interviews. Based on an overall usability rating of marginally acceptable, the visual feedback system was generally found to be a device with the potential to assess and train neck pain patients but needs improvement. To become a useful adjunct to regular physical therapy, improvements in the hardware and software, and further system developments are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Nast
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Institute of Physiotherapy, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - M. Scheermesser
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Institute of Physiotherapy, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - M.J. Ernst
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Institute of Physiotherapy, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - B. Sommer
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Institute of Physiotherapy, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - P. Schmid
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering, Institute of Signal Processing and Wireless Communications, Technikumstrasse 71, 8400, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - M. Weisenhorn
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering, Institute of Signal Processing and Wireless Communications, Technikumstrasse 71, 8400, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Bärtschi E
- Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - D. Gomez
- Cantonal Hospital, Winterthur Brauerstrasse 15, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - P. Iten
- Cantonal Hospital, Winterthur Brauerstrasse 15, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Physiowerk Aadorf, Hauptstrasse 47, 8355, Aadorf, Switzerland
| | - A. von Wartburg
- Hocoma AG, Industriestrasse 4, 8604, Volketswil, Switzerland
| | - W.O. Frey
- Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zürich, Switzerland
- Clinic Hirslanden, Klinik Hirslanden, Dr. med. Walter O. Frey, Witellikerstrasse 40, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - L. Lünenburger
- Hocoma AG, Industriestrasse 4, 8604, Volketswil, Switzerland
| | - C.M. Bauer
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Institute of Physiotherapy, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Lake Lucerne Institute, Seestrasse 18, 6354, Vitznau, Switzerland
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Viera E, Kaschel H, Valencia C. Heart Rate Variability Control Using a Biofeedback and Wearable System. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:7153. [PMID: 36236257 PMCID: PMC9572135 DOI: 10.3390/s22197153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Heart rate variability is an important physiological parameter in medicine. This parameter is used as an indicator of physiological and psychological well-being and even of certain pathologies. Research on biofeedback integrates the fields of biological application (physiological behavior), system modeling, and automated control. This study proposes a new method for modeling and controlling heart rate variability as heart rate acceleration, a model expressed in the frequency domain. The model is obtained from excitation and response signals from heart rate variability, which through the instrumental variables method and the minimization of a cost function delivers a transfer function that represents the physiological phenomenon. This study also proposes the design of an adaptive controller using the reference model. The controller controls heart rate variability based on the light actuators designed here, generating a conditioned reflex that allows individuals to self-regulate their state through biofeedback, synchronizing this action to homeostasis. Modeling is conducted in a target population of middle-aged men who work as firefighters and forest firefighters. This study validates the proposed model, as well as the design of the controllers and actuators, through a simple experiment based on indoor cycling. This experiment has different segments, namely leaving inertia, non-controlled segment, and actively controlled segment.
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