Usability evaluation of an interactive leg press training robot for children with neuromuscular impairments

Chrif, Farouk; van Hedel, Hubertus J.A.; Vivian, Mauro; Nef, Tobias; Hunt, Kenneth James (2022). Usability evaluation of an interactive leg press training robot for children with neuromuscular impairments Technology and Health Care, 30(5), pp. 1183-1197. IOS Press 10.3233/THC-213629

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BACKGROUND: The use of robotic technology for neurorehabilitative applications has become increasingly important for adults and children with different motor impairments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and usability of a new interactive leg-press training robot that was developed to train leg muscle strength and control, suitable for children with neuromuscular impairments. METHODS: An interactive robotic training system was designed and constructed with various control strategies, actuators and force/position sensors to enable the performance of different training modes (passive, active resistance, and exergames). Five paediatric patients, aged between 7 and 16 years (one girl, age 13.0 +/- 3.7 years, [mean +/- SD]), with different neuromuscular impairments were recruited to participate in this study. Patients evaluated the device based on a user satisfaction questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and therapists evaluated the device with the modified System Usability Scale (SUS). RESULTS: One patient could not perform the training session because of his small knee range of motion. Visual Analog Scale scores were given by the 4 patients who performed the training sessions. All the patients adjudged the training with the interactive device as satisfactory. The average SUS score given by the therapists was 61.2 +/- 18.4. CONCLUSION: This study proposed an interactive lower limb training device for children with different neuromuscular impairments. The device is deemed feasible for paediatric rehabilitation applications, both in terms of technical feasibility and usability acceptance. Both patients and therapists provided positive feedback regarding the training with the device.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

School of Engineering and Computer Science > Institute for Human Centered Engineering (HUCE)
School of Engineering and Computer Science > Institut für Rehabilitation und Leistungstechnologie IRPT > IRPT / Rehabilitationstechnik
School of Engineering and Computer Science > Institut für Rehabilitation und Leistungstechnologie IRPT > IRPT / Sporttechnik
School of Engineering and Computer Science
BFH Centres and strategic thematic fields > BFH centre for Health technologies

Name:

Chrif, Farouk;
van Hedel, Hubertus J.A.;
Vivian, Mauro;
Nef, Tobias and
Hunt, Kenneth James

Subjects:

R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
T Technology > T Technology (General)

ISSN:

0928-7329

Publisher:

IOS Press

Language:

English

Submitter:

Kenneth James Hunt

Date Deposited:

16 Dec 2022 10:24

Last Modified:

16 Dec 2022 10:24

Publisher DOI:

10.3233/THC-213629

ARBOR DOI:

10.24451/arbor.18342

URI:

https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/18342

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