Usability of a visual feedback system to assess and improve movement disorders related to neck pain: Perceptions of physical therapists and patients

I Nast; M Scheermesser; M J Ernst; B Sommer; P Schmid; M Weisenhorn; Bärtschi E; D Gomez; P Iten; A von Wartburg; W O Frey; L Lünenburger; C M Bauer

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26931

Usability of a visual feedback system to assess and improve movement disorders related to neck pain: Perceptions of physical therapists and patients

Heliyon. 2024 Feb 23;10(5):e26931. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26931. eCollection 2024 Mar 15.

Authors

I Nast¹, M Scheermesser¹, M J Ernst¹, B Sommer¹, P Schmid², M Weisenhorn², Bärtschi E³, D Gomez⁴, P Iten^{4

5}, A von Wartburg⁶, W O Frey^{3

7}, L Lünenburger⁶, C M Bauer^{1

8}

Affiliations

¹ Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Institute of Physiotherapy, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland.
² Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering, Institute of Signal Processing and Wireless Communications, Technikumstrasse 71, 8400, Winterthur, Switzerland.
³ Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zürich, Switzerland.
⁴ Cantonal Hospital, Winterthur Brauerstrasse 15, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland.
⁵ Physiowerk Aadorf, Hauptstrasse 47, 8355, Aadorf, Switzerland.
⁶ Hocoma AG, Industriestrasse 4, 8604, Volketswil, Switzerland.
⁷ Clinic Hirslanden, Klinik Hirslanden, Dr. med. Walter O. Frey, Witellikerstrasse 40, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland.
⁸ Lake Lucerne Institute, Seestrasse 18, 6354, Vitznau, Switzerland.

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.

Keywords: Games; Kinematics; Medical devices and technologies; Outpatient care; Rehabilitation.