Developing a user interface for the iPAM stroke rehabilitation system

Abstract

The increasing population of older people is leading to growing healthcare demands. Stroke is the commonest cause of severe disability in developed countries leaving one third of patients with long term disability. Rehabilitation is the cornerstone of recovery. Lack of rehabilitation manpower resources can limit recovery of limb function. However, technology can assist rehabilitation staff to deliver greater intensity of treatment. Robotic systems such as the iPAM robot can provide semi-automated arm exercises for people with complex impairments leading to loss of functional arm movement. Feedback to the patient about their performance, usability of the exercise "workspace" and motivating exercises are key aspects of the successful deployment of robotic systems within routine clinical use. We describe the development of the patient interface for the iPAM robotic system. Central to this development is user involvement (with rehabilitation professionals and people with stroke). Using user centred design methods which included use of questionnaires and one to one discussions, the user interface was changed from a simple screen showing a stick figure of the arm to a 3D scene with simplified indicators and feedback screens, providing feedback about performance and feedback about the quality of the movement. Patients were positive about Manuscript the changes to the user interface, confirming that the feedback screens were clear, useful and motivating. The user interface can further be improved by adding more feedback about the quality of the movement.

Embracing change: practical and theoretical considerations for successful implementation of technology assisting upper limb training in stroke

“…Jackson et al [ 39 ] reported that the feedback of end-users was invaluable in the development of the iPAM system and for future design improvements. This also applied to the interface development of the system [ 40 ].…”

Upper Limb Rehabilitation System for Stroke Survivors Based on Multi-Modal Sensors and Machine Learning

“…Stanford University has developed a robotic upper limb rehabilitation system based on the PUMA 500 and 600 industrial robots, which can assist stroke survivors in performing mirror movements of the affected and healthy sides of the upper limb [35] [36]. Some universities in Europe have also designed and developed various upper limb rehabilitation robot systems [37] [38] [39] [40]. However, studies have shown that some upper limb robots are not capable of performing wrist flexion and extension training, and these robots are expensive [41].…”

The design and evaluation of an activity monitoring user interface for people with stroke

“…To design the software, elements of the Goal Directed Design (GDD) technique [18] were used, which is a user-centered technique of a similar nature to those implemented in [19], [20] that emphasizes researching the user's capabilities and understanding the user's goals in using the product. Key age-related characteristics of the user are changes in visual and cognitive ability, as well as in motor control [3].…”