Using rhythm for rehabilitation: the acceptability of a novel haptic cueing device in extended stroke rehabilitation
Journal of Enabling Technologies
ISSN: 2398-6263
Article publication date: 23 August 2022
Issue publication date: 21 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Restoration of walking ability is a key goal to both stroke survivors and their therapists. However, the intensity and duration of rehabilitation available after stroke can be limited by service constraints, despite the potential for improvement which could reduce health service demands in the long run. The purpose of this paper is to present qualitative findings from a study that explored the acceptability of a haptic device aimed at improving walking as part of an extended intervention in stroke rehabilitation.
Design/methodology/approach
Pre-trial focus groups and post-trial interviews to assess the acceptability of Haptic Bracelets were undertaken with seven stroke survivors.
Findings
Five themes were identified as impacting on the acceptability of the Haptic Bracelet: potential for improving quality of life; relationships with technology; important features; concerns; response to trial and concentration. Participants were interested in the haptic bracelet and hoped it would provide them with more confidence making them: feel safer when walking; have greater ability to take bigger strides rather than little steps; a way to combat mistakes participants reported making due to tiredness and reduced pain in knees and hips.
Originality/value
Haptic Bracelets are an innovative development in the field of rhythmic cueing and stroke rehabilitation. The haptic bracelets also overcome problems encountered with established audio-based cueing, as their use is not affected by external environmental noise.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-01-2021-0003
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This research was funded by Greater Manchester Academic Health Science Network more specifically GM AHSN Technology Innovation Challenge Award (Assistive technology).
Citation
Tetley, J.W., Holland, S., Caton, S., Donaldson, G., Georgiou, T., Visi, F. and Stockley, R.C. (2022), "Using rhythm for rehabilitation: the acceptability of a novel haptic cueing device in extended stroke rehabilitation", Journal of Enabling Technologies, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 290-301. https://doi.org/10.1108/JET-01-2021-0003
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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