Combining functional electrical stimulation with visual feedback balance training: a qualitative study of end-­user perspectives on designing a clinically feasible intervention

This study explores how to make a balance training system, which uses electrical stimulation and visual feedback, more practical for use in clinics and homes for people with stroke or spinal cord injury. The research team gathered feedback from patients, therapists, and a hospital administrator to identify potential challenges and solutions for using the system in real-world settings. The findings will help to improve the design of the balance training system, making it more user-friendly and likely to be adopted by both clinicians and patients.

• 1
  End-users identified challenges such as lack of knowledge about the system, safety concerns, technical difficulties, cost, limited time and space, and suggested solutions at different levels.
• 2
  Solutions included education, training, wireless technology, adaptable system parameters, progress tracking, safety features, purchasing options, and guidelines.
• 3
  The study highlights the importance of involving end-users in the design process to ensure the technology is clinically relevant and user-friendly.