Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2025
05:52
Mobile Game-based Virtual Reality Program for Upper Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation
Published on: March 8, 2018
18.8K
Developing a mobile exercise program for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: Stakeholder perceptions of app features
Sara Nataletti1, Anushua Banerjee2, Rebecca Macaluso2
1Max Näder Center for Rehabilitation Technologies and Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
Disability and Health Journal
|July 4, 2024
Summary
App-based home exercise programs can improve adherence for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Key factors for success include adaptability, usability, and clinician interaction, guiding future intervention design.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Digital Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) often leads to physical deconditioning and long-term health issues.
- Exercise adherence is crucial for individuals with SCI but is often limited by accessibility barriers.
- Mobile application (App)-based exercise programs offer a potential solution to improve exercise adherence in SCI populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors critical for the successful implementation of app-based home exercise programs for individuals with SCI.
- To gather user feedback on app preferences, functionality, and features to inform future development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to guide an expert panel survey with 26 clinicians.
- Conducted seven focus groups with 23 individuals with SCI, 6 caregivers, and 6 clinicians.
- Incorporated the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) framework for app quality assessment.
Main Results:
- Expert survey identified adaptability, complexity, evidence strength, relative advantage, knowledge/beliefs, and execution as key CFIR factors.
- Individuals with SCI and caregivers emphasized usability, clear instructions, user-friendly interfaces, and clinician interaction.
- Clinicians highlighted the importance of SCI population representation, time commitment, accessibility, and equipment considerations.
Conclusions:
- Successful app-based home exercise interventions for SCI require careful consideration of implementation factors.
- Future app designs should integrate user-centered features and address practical accessibility and equipment needs.
- Incorporating identified determinants will enhance the effectiveness and adoption of digital health solutions for SCI.
