Article

The concept of a vibrating wristband, to improve dextrous hand function
of stroke survivors, was recently proposed with clinical results and is referred
to as 'TheraBracelet' in this paper. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate
feasibility of a portable, wearable TheraBracelet, and to apply usability
evaluation techniques to assess potential demands of TheraBracelet and to
identify critical improvement needs of the prototype. METHOD: A prototype was
developed with a vibrating element housed in an elastic wristband and connected
to a wearable electronics box via a cable. Expectation for TheraBracelet and
evaluation of the prototype were obtained from 10 chronic stroke survivors using
surveys before and after using the prototype and House of Quality analysis.
RESULTS: The survey for expectation showed stroke survivors' willingness to try
out TheraBracelet at a low cost. The survey evaluating the prototype showed that
the current prototype was overall satisfactory with a mean rating of 3.7 out of
5. The House of Quality analysis revealed that the priority improvement needs for
the prototype are to improve clinical knowledge on long-term effectiveness,
reduce cost, ease donning/doffing and waterproof. CONCLUSIONS: This study
presents a potential for a low-cost wearable hand orthotic likable by stroke
survivors. Implications for Rehabilitation Feasibility for a portable wearable
wristband-type hand orthotic was demonstrated. The survey showed stroke survivors
are willing to try such an orthotic at low cost. The current prototype was rated
overall satisfactory by stroke survivors. This study provides a potential for a
low-cost wearable hand orthotic likable by stroke survivors.

Langue : ANGLAIS