Watch Your Back: Development and Usability of a Visual Feedback System for People with Low Back Pain – A Single Subject Usability Study

Moana Heussler; Jasmin Winter; Sabina Hotz-Boendermaker; Christoph Michael Bauer

doi:10.1055/a-1460-2339

physioscience 2022; 18(03): 110-116
DOI: 10.1055/a-1460-2339

Original Paper

Watch Your Back: Development and Usability of a Visual Feedback System for People with Low Back Pain – A Single Subject Usability Study

Den Rücken im Blick: Entwicklung und Benutzerfreundlichkeit eines visuellen Feedbacksystems für Menschen mit Schmerzen im unteren Rücken – Eine Einzelfallstudie zur Benutzerfreundlichkeit

Moana Heussler

Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Winterthur, Switzerland

,

Jasmin Winter

Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Winterthur, Switzerland

,

Sabina Hotz-Boendermaker

Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Winterthur, Switzerland

,

Christoph Michael Bauer

Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Winterthur, Switzerland

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Background To find effective treatments for low back pain remains a major challenge in physical therapy. Numerous treatment methods currently exist, but the use of real-time visual feedback is a promising new therapeutic approach. The opportunities for its implementation and use require further research.

Objective To develop a video-supported system for visual feedback and to test its usability.

Method The prototype of a video-based system for visual feedback was developed and tested on a person with persistent unspecific lumbar back pain. The system was evaluated through an interview with the subject and the system usability scale (SUS).

Results The subject was optimistic about the system’s functionality. He was astonished to see his own back while moving, which triggered positive emotions. He also found the apparatus comfortable to wear. The system achieved a value of 77.5 out of 100 on the SUS, which represents good usability.

Conclusion By means of technical adjustments to avoid a delay in transmission and an exact positioning of the monitor, further improvements in the usability can be achieved. More research will be required to evaluate the efficacy of the developed system in the treatment of lumbar back pain.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund Es ist eine große Herausforderung in der Physiotherapie, wirksame Behandlungen gegen Schmerzen im unteren Rückenbereich zu finden. Es gibt bereits zahlreiche Behandlungsmethoden, der Einsatz von visuellem Echtzeit-Feedback ist ein vielversprechender neuer Therapieansatz. Möglichkeiten zur Implementierung und Anwendung dieser Therapie bedürfen jedoch weiterer Forschung.

Ziel Entwicklung eines videogestützten Systems für visuelles Feedback und Testung von dessen Anwendbarkeit.

Methode Der Prototyp eines videogestützen Systems für visuelles Feedback wurde mithilfe einer Person mit persistierenden unspezifischen lumbalen Rückenschmerzen entwickelt und an dieser getestet. Das System wurde durch eine Befragung der Testperson und die System Usability Scale (SUS) evaluiert.

Ergebnisse Die Testperson war der Funktionalität des Systems gegenüber optimistisch eingestellt. Er war erstaunt, seinen eigenen Rücken zu sehen, während er sich bewegte, was bei ihm positive Gefühle auslöste. Außerdem empfand er das Gerät angenehm zu tragen. Das System erreichte einen Wert von 77,5 von 100 auf der SUS, was eine gute Benutzerfreundlichkeit darstellt.

Schlussfolgerung Durch technische Anpassungen zur Vermeidung einer Übertragungsverzögerung und einer exakten Positionierung des Monitors können weitere Verbesserungen bei der Bedienbarkeit erreicht werden. Weitere Untersuchungen sind erforderlich, um die Wirksamkeit des entwickelten Systems bei der Behandlung von lumbalen Rückenschmerzen zu evaluieren.

Key words

back pain - visual feedback - physical therapy modalities - rehabilitation - musculoskeletal pain

Schlüsselwörter

Rückenschmerz - visuelles Feedback - Physiotherapiemodalitäten - Rehabilitation - muskuloskelettaler Schmerz

Full Text

References

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