Intervention Platform for Action Observation and Motor Imagery Training After Stroke: Usability Test

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Digital Health Interventions
• Motor Recovery

Background:

• Action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) are recognized as effective strategies for enhancing motor function in stroke survivors.
• These techniques stimulate the brain's motor system, positively impacting movement execution and aiding rehabilitation.
• A digital health platform, ANIMATE, was developed to integrate AO and MI for early stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the usability of the ANIMATE digital health platform.
• To identify potential barriers and facilitators for regular use among patients after stroke (PaS).
• To gather user feedback for improving the platform's effectiveness and engagement.

Main Methods:

• A scenario-based usability test was conducted with 9 patients after stroke (PaS) in a rehabilitation setting.
• Participants interacted with the ANIMATE platform, which guides users through daily living activities using AO and MI.
• Qualitative feedback was collected on ease of use, perceived usefulness, and willingness to use the platform regularly.

Main Results:

• Patients after stroke (PaS) found the ANIMATE platform easy to use and reported no significant interaction problems.
• The platform was perceived as useful for rehabilitation purposes.
• Despite perceived usefulness, participants expressed a low willingness to use the app on a regular basis.

Conclusions:

• The ANIMATE platform demonstrates good usability for patients after stroke (PaS).
• Personalization and customization features are crucial for enhancing user motivation and long-term engagement.
• Tailoring the intervention to individual rehabilitation goals and needs may increase the platform's overall benefit for motor recovery.