Sensors, Vol. 22, Pages 3308: User Participatory Design of a Wearable Focal Vibration Device for Home-Based Stroke Rehabilitation

Sensors, Vol. 22, Pages 3308: User Participatory Design of a Wearable Focal Vibration Device for Home-Based Stroke Rehabilitation Sensors doi: 10.3390/s22093308 Authors: Hongwu Wang Mustafa Ghazi Raghuveer Chandrashekhar Josiah Rippetoe Grace A. Duginski Louis V. Lepak Lisa R. Milhan Shirley A. James Stroke often leads to the significant impairment of upper limb function and is associated with a decreased quality of life. Despite study results from several interventions for muscle activation and motor coordination, wide-scale adoption remains largely elusive due to under-doses and low user compliance and participation. Recent studies have shown that focal vibration has a greater potential to increase and coordinate muscle recruitment and build muscle strength and endurance. This form of treatment could widely benefit stroke survivors and therapists. Thus, this study aimed to design and develop a novel wearable focal vibration device for upper limb rehabilitation in stroke survivors. A user participatory design approach was used for the design and development. Five stroke survivors, three physical therapists, and two occupational therapists were recruited and participated. This pilot study may help to develop a novel sustainable wearable system providing vibration-based muscle activation for upper limb function rehabilitation. It may allow users to apply the prescribed vibratory stimuli in-home and/or in community settings. It may also allow therapists to...
Source: Sensors - Category: Biotechnology Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research