Development and validation of an exercise performance support system for people with lower extremity impairment

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Arthritis often leads to reduced physical activity due to lower extremity impairments.
• Self-directed exercise programs are crucial for managing arthritis but require appropriate support.
• Innovative strategies are needed to enhance exercise adherence and effectiveness in arthritis management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce an interactive, multimedia exercise performance support system (PSS) for individuals with arthritis.
• To assess the PSS's ability to provide appropriate, self-directed exercise recommendations for lower extremity impairments.
• To evaluate the system's potential to increase physical activity levels in people with arthritis.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary team developed the PSS, utilizing self-reported lower extremity musculoskeletal impairments (flexibility and strength).
• The system generates individualized exercise programs with integrated video and print educational materials.
• Initial evaluations focused on the validity and reliability of the PSS's assessments and exercise recommendations.

Main Results:

• PSS self-report assessments showed strong agreement with professional evaluations, identifying more impairments via self-report.
• Exercise recommendations generated by the PSS closely matched those of expert physical therapists.
• PSS impairment assessments demonstrated stability over a one-week period, indicating reliability.

Conclusions:

• The PSS's exercise recommendations are reliable and accurately reflect current rheumatology exercise knowledge.
• Users found the computer-based program easy to use, enjoyable, and informative, requiring minimal assistance.
• The PSS shows promise as an effective tool for supporting self-directed exercise and improving physical activity in arthritis patients.