Sensors (Jun 2023)

A Sensor-Based Feedback Device Stimulating Daily Life Upper Extremity Activity in Stroke Patients: A Feasibility Study

  • Anthonia J. Langerak,
  • Gerrit Ruben Hendrik Regterschot,
  • Marc Evers,
  • Bert-Jan F. van Beijnum,
  • Carel G. M. Meskers,
  • Ruud W. Selles,
  • Gerard M. Ribbers,
  • Johannes B. J. Bussmann

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/s23135868
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 13
p. 5868

Abstract

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This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and explore the efficacy of the Arm Activity Tracker (AAT). The AAT is a device based on wrist-worn accelerometers that provides visual and tactile feedback to stimulate daily life upper extremity (UE) activity in stroke patients. Methods: A randomised, crossover within-subject study was conducted in sub-acute stroke patients admitted to a rehabilitation centre. Feasibility encompassed (1) adherence: the dropout rate and the number of participants with insufficient AAT data collection; (2) acceptance: the technology acceptance model (range: 7–112) and (3) usability: the system usability scale (range: 0–100). A two-way ANOVA was used to estimate the difference between the baseline, intervention and control conditions for (1) paretic UE activity and (2) UE activity ratio. Results: Seventeen stroke patients were included. A 29% dropout rate was observed, and two participants had insufficient data collection. Participants who adhered to the study reported good acceptance (median (IQR): 94 (77–111)) and usability (median (IQR): 77.5 (75–78.5)-). We found small to medium effect sizes favouring the intervention condition for paretic UE activity (η2G = 0.07, p = 0.04) and ratio (η2G = 0.11, p = 0.22). Conclusion: Participants who adhered to the study showed good acceptance and usability of the AAT and increased paretic UE activity. Dropouts should be further evaluated, and a sufficiently powered trial should be performed to analyse efficacy.

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