Pre-Implementation Analysis of the Usability and Acceptability of a Poststroke Complex Telehealth Biofeedback Intervention

Abstract

Importance: Complex telehealth interventions can facilitate remote occupational therapy services and improve access for people living with chronic neurological conditions. Understanding the factors that influence the uptake of these technologies is important. Objective: To explore the fit between electromyography (EMG) biofeedback and telerehabilitation for stroke survivors, optimize EMG biofeedback interventions, and, more broadly, support other efforts to develop complex telerehabilitation interventions. Design: Pre-implementation mixed-methods analysis of usability and acceptability data collected during a pilot and feasibility study. Setting: Community. Participants: Adult stroke survivors with hemiparesis (N = 11; M age = 54 yr). Intervention: Game-based EMG biofeedback system for arm sensorimotor rehabilitation, delivered via telehealth. Outcomes and Measures: Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire, an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model questionnaire, and semistructured interview. We coded the interview data using questionnaire constructs. Results: Participants used an EMG biofeedback intervention at home. Quantitative measures show high levels of perceived usability and acceptability, supported by qualitative findings describing specific facilitators and barriers. Conclusions and Relevance: Pre-implementation studies can improve the design and relevance of complex telehealth interventions. One major conclusion from this study is the influence of therapy providers on acceptability and usability of complex telehealth interventions. Plain-Language Summary: This study contributes to an emerging body of literature that examines the use of complex telehealth interventions with survivors of neurological injury. The findings highlight the value and support the development and use of complex telehealth interventions, which have the potential to improve remote access to occupational therapy for clients living with chronic neurological conditions. Complex telehealth interventions can open doors for survivors of neurological injury who face barriers to accessing occupational therapy and would benefit from technology-enabled therapy at home.

Improvements in motor control are associated with improved quality of life following an at-home muscle biofeedback program for chronic stroke

“…Additionally, participants described positive changes in their overall quality of life, including, better sleep quality and increased awareness, sensation, flexibility, relaxation, and use of their impaired arm. Further descriptions and analyses regarding the feasibility and acceptability of this training program can be found in Donnelly et al (2024) .…”