Article

PURPOSE: To describe the perspectives of people with stroke and their
physiotherapists on the use of biomechanics technology to assess balance and
mobility. METHODS: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with
patients with stroke and a focus group with their physiotherapists. Coding of
interview and focus-group data used a line-by-line inductive approach, with
qualitative software to develop codes into themes.
RESULTS: The quantitative data
from the assessment were seen as beneficial to providing patients with insight
into balance and mobility problems. Physiotherapists found that the assessment
confirmed clinical reasoning and aided in precise evaluation of progress but
expressed mixed opinions as to whether treatment choice was influenced. Patients
would have liked more communication regarding the purpose of the assessment.
Patients also stated that trust in their physiotherapists helped them overcome
anxieties and that confidence was gained through exposure to more challenging
balance assessments. Physiotherapists advocated for the use of a harness system
to safely incorporate reactive balance control assessment and training into
practice. CONCLUSION: Both patients and therapists saw value in the quantitative
data provided by the assessment. Regardless of the technology used, patients
value a strong physiotherapist-patient relationship. Ongoing collaboration
between clinicians and researchers should guide the evolution of technology into
clinically useful tools.

Langue : ANGLAIS