Usability evaluation of an interactive leg press training robot for children with neuromuscular impairments

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of robotic technology for neurorehabilitative applications has become increasingly important for adults and children with different motor impairments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and usability of a new interactive leg-press training robot that was developed to train leg muscle strength and control, suitable for children with neuromuscular impairments. METHODS: An interactive robotic training system was designed and constructed with various control strategies, actuators and force/position sensors to enable the performance of different training modes (passive, active resistance, and exergames). Five paediatric patients, aged between 7 and 16 years (one girl, age 13.0 ± 3.7 years, [mean ± SD]), with different neuromuscular impairments were recruited to participate in this study. Patients evaluated the device based on a user satisfaction questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and therapists evaluated the device with the modified System Usability Scale (SUS). RESULTS: One patient could not perform the training session because of his small knee range of motion. Visual Analog Scale scores were given by the 4 patients who performed the training sessions. All the patients adjudged the training with the interactive device as satisfactory. The average SUS score given by the therapists was 61.2 ± 18.4. CONCLUSION: This study proposed an interactive lower limb training device for children with different neuromuscular impairments. The device is deemed feasible for paediatric rehabilitation applications, both in terms of technical feasibility and usability acceptance. Both patients and therapists provided positive feedback regarding the training with the device.

The most used questionnaires for evaluating the usability of robots and smart wearables: A scoping review

“…As shown in Figure 3 , the majority of articles focusing on the most used questionnaires for evaluating the usability of robots and smart wearables were published in 2020 ( n = 11), 22 – 29 , 52 – 54 2021 ( n = 9), 1,0– 34 , 55 – 57 and 2022 ( n = 10), 35 – 41 , 58 – 60 respectively (More details in Table 2 ).…”

“… 18 In evaluating the usability of robots, the largest sample size in the studies included 1860 people, with 919 women and 941 men. 48 In evaluating the usability of robots, the smallest sample size in these studies included 5 people, with the participation rate of men and women varying in these studies 45 , 59 , 60 (More details in Table 2 ).…”

“…The standardized nature of SUS enables consistent and comparable evaluations across different robots, fostering reliable insights into their usability. 46 , 59 , 60 , 62 Hesen 81 believed that, with a concise set of items, SUS minimizes respondent burden, ensuring quick and straightforward assessments. The questionnaire's versatility allows it to be applied to various robotic interfaces and applications, making it adaptable to the diverse functionalities of robotic systems.…”

Mindbot: Design and Implementation of a Mind-Controlled Educational Robot Toy for Disabled Children

“…Figure 26: Results of the mindBot robot usability in terms of SUS A score of 42 to 80 is considered to be within the normal range for usability evaluations of robots, with a good score of 71.13. This means that a robot with a SUS score of 71.13 is usable but could be improved (Chan et al 2022;Chrif et al 2022;Ranzani et al 2021).…”

Use of Biomedical Engineering for Rehabilitation of Patients with Disability Caused by Guillain-Barré Syndrome: a Systematic Review

“…Only 5 articles provided complete information on the sex, age, height and weight of the patients [20][21] [22][23] [24] .…”