Evaluating User Perceptions of a Vibrotactile Feedback System in Trunk Stabilization Exercises: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Low back pain is prevalent, often linked to trunk instability.
• Physiotherapy for trunk stability incurs significant socio-economic costs.
• Home-based training offers cost reduction but lacks exercise correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a vibrotactile feedback system for trunk stabilization exercises.
• To evaluate user experience and perceived workload of the feedback system.
• To determine the system's potential for supporting independent, effective training.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility study involving 13 healthy adults performing trunk stabilization exercises.
• Physiotherapist-guided correction of exercise execution using vibrotactile feedback.
• NASA TLX questionnaire for workload assessment and user feedback on system utility.

Main Results:

• The vibrotactile feedback system demonstrated very low global workload (mean 40.2).
• Users perceived feedback quality well (69.2%–92.3%) and found it helpful (80.8%).
• Physiotherapists rated movement quality highly, supporting the system's effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The vibrotactile feedback system is applicable for home-based trunk stabilization training.
• It can reduce user fear of independent training and enhance adherence.
• This technology holds potential for improving long-term training success in rehabilitation.