Abstract
Background Unsupervised home exercise is a major component of physical therapy (PT). This study
proposes an inexpensive, inertial measurement unit-based wearable device to capture
kinematic data to facilitate exercise. However, conveying and interpreting kinematic
data to non-experts poses a challenge due to the complexity and background knowledge
required that most patients lack.
Objectives The objectives of this study were to identify key user interface and user experience
features that would likely improve device adoption and assess participant receptiveness
toward the device.
Methods Fifty participants were recruited to perform nine upper extremity exercises while
wearing the device. Prior to exercise, participants completed an orientation of the
device, which included examples of software graphics with exercise data. Surveys that
measured receptiveness toward the device, software graphics, and ergonomics were given
before and after exercise.
Results Participants were highly receptive to the device with 90% of the participants likely
to use the device during PT. Participants understood how the simple kinematic data
could be used to aid exercise, but the data could be difficult to comprehend with
more complex movements. Devices should incorporate wireless sensors and emphasize
ease of wear.
Conclusion Device-guided home physical rehabilitation can allow for individualized treatment
protocols and improve exercise self-efficacy through kinematic analysis. Future studies
should implement clinical testing to evaluate the impact a wearable device can have
on rehabilitation outcomes.
Keywords
inertial measurement units - biomechanics - exercise - rehabilitation - wearable device
