Developing guiding principles for technology‑based rehabilitation program by engaging people with motor incomplete tetraplegia

This study explores how individuals with chronic motor incomplete cervical spinal cord injury perceive rehabilitation technology aimed at enhancing upper extremity function and neuromuscular recovery, intending to guide the creation of future interventions. The research involved seven participants who trialed five different rehabilitation technology devices, followed by semi-structured interviews to understand their experiences and identify features that motivate the use of such technology. The analysis of these interviews revealed key themes, suggesting that devices should be adaptable to diverse needs, intervention protocols must be personalized, and skilled clinicians should develop and update these protocols.

• 1
  Devices must be flexible to meet diverse needs, encompassing the ability to address multiple treatment targets, offer a just-right challenge, incorporate gamification, and provide cognitive challenges.
• 2
  Intervention protocols must be individualized to address unique needs and contexts of users, considering individualized goal areas, the desire to use independently, and the desire to use the device for more than just therapy.
• 3
  Intervention protocols should be developed and updated by a skilled clinician to ensure treatment program fidelity and avoid compensatory strategies.