Developing ActivABLES for community-dwelling stroke survivors using the Medical Research Council framework for...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Technology
• Assistive Technologies
• Stroke Recovery

Background:

• Community-dwelling stroke survivors require effective home-based exercise solutions.
• Caregivers need resources and knowledge to support stroke survivors' exercise routines.
• Existing interventions often lack the necessary technical support for sustained engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the development of ActivABLES, a novel technical intervention.
• To promote home-based exercise and physical activity engagement for stroke survivors.
• To support caregivers in facilitating stroke survivors' rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for complex intervention development.
• Employed human-centered design and co-design principles throughout the process.
• Conducted user studies, including interviews and prototype testing with stroke survivors and caregivers.

Main Results:

• Developed six distinct prototypes: ActivFOAM, WalkingSTARR, ActivBALL, ActivSTICKS, ActivLAMP, and ActivTREE.
• Prototypes target specific exercises like balance, walking, and upper arm/hand movements.
• All exercise prototypes can connect to feedback systems (ActivLAMP, ActivTREE) and offer individualized settings.

Conclusions:

• The ActivABLES development followed a rigorous, iterative process combining user-centered design and the MRC framework.
• Six functional prototypes are now available for feasibility testing in a real-world setting.
• This intervention shows promise for enhancing home-based exercise adherence among stroke survivors.