A Smart Textile Biofeedback Training System for Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke: Co-Design Development and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Smart textiles offer a promising avenue for upper limb rehabilitation post-stroke.
• Integrating surface electromyography (sEMG) into textiles enhances rehabilitation tools.
• Early end-user involvement is critical for developing effective rehabilitation technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To refine and evaluate the prototype design and usability of a smart textile biofeedback system.
• To enhance self-administered upper limb training for stroke survivors.
• To incorporate end-user feedback into rehabilitation technology development.

Main Methods:

• Iterative co-design process involving clinicians, stroke survivors, and an expert team.
• Development of a smart textile sleeve with integrated sEMG electrodes and tablet-based biofeedback software.
• User experience evaluation through semistructured interviews and the User Experience Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• End-user feedback led to prototype refinements in the sleeve and software.
• Users found the system easy to use, attractive, stimulating, and novel.
• Identified needs for enhancing independent training capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The co-design process successfully integrated end-user perspectives into prototype development.
• Findings support the continued development of the smart textile sEMG system for self-administered stroke rehabilitation.
• The system shows potential as an effective tool for individuals recovering from stroke.