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
Affiliations
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
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; Corresponding author. Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Institute of Physiotherapy, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland.
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.
