Stroke Participants’ Perceptions of Robotic and Electrical Stimulation Therapy: A New Approach
By Hughes, Ann-Marie; Burridge, Jane; Freeman, Chris T.; Donnovan-Hall, Maggie; Chappell, Paul H.; Lewin, Paul L.; Rogers, Eric; Dibb, Bridget; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 130-138Publication Date: March 2011
Study sought to understand stroke participants’ experiences of using a novel upper limb workstation that combines robotic therapy and electrical stimulation (ES). Findings would provide greater insight into how such stimulation systems might be improved in the future. Participants were 5 patients aged 38 to 77 years with chronic upper limb hemiplegia post-stroke, of whom 3 were male. Participants used a robotic workstation to undertake supported tracking tasks augmented by precisely controlled ES to their triceps muscle. Following a 6 week trial, a purpose designed set of questions was developed and individual interviews were conducted by an independent health psychologist. The simple, quick to administer question set showed that participants had a positive response to the system and contributed valuable feedback with regard to its usability and effectiveness. Based on participant input, changes were planned to facilitate arm placement in the arm holder and to clarify the system’s graphical display of performance. Ideas for future development included a home-based system targeting the whole arm.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
