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  • Seojin H, Hyun C, Hyosun K
  • Medical Device Based on a Virtual Reality–Based Upper Limb Rehabilitation Software: Usability Evaluation Through Cognitive Walkthrough
  • JMIR Formative Research
  • DOI: 10.2196/11848
  • PMID: 30303485
  • PMCID: 6352016
Preprints Accepted Manuscript

Medical Device Based on a Virtual Reality–Based Upper Limb Rehabilitation Software: Usability Evaluation Through Cognitive Walkthrough

Abstract

background

The use of virtual reality (VR) technology in rehabilitation therapy has been growing, leading to the development of VR-based upper-limb rehabilitation software. To ensure effective utilization of such software, usability evaluations are critical to enhance user satisfaction and identify potential usability issues.

objective

This study aims to evaluate the usability of VR-based upper-limb rehabilitation software from the perspective of occupational therapists. Specifically, the study seeks to identify usability challenges and provide insights to improve user satisfaction.

methods

The VR-based upper-limb rehabilitation software was tailored for therapists to operate while delivering therapy to patients. Usability testing was conducted with occupational therapists from the Korean National Rehabilitation Center using cognitive walkthroughs and surveys. Participants performed tasks that simulated real clinical scenarios, including turning the device on, assisting patients with wearing the device, and shutting it down. Observers recorded user reactions during task performance, and participants completed surveys to assess the ease of use of the user interface. This mixed-methods approach provided qualitative insights into user difficulties and their root causes.

results

Usability evaluations were conducted with six participants. Cognitive walkthroughs revealed potential areas for improvement in the software, including: (1) enhancements to the graphical user interface for ease of use, (2) refinements in the natural user interface, and (3) better user manuals for clearer product instructions. The ease-of-use score for the user interface averaged 1.58 on a 5-point scale (1: very easy, 5: very difficult).

conclusions

This study provides valuable insights into improving user satisfaction by focusing on the needs of occupational therapists who operate VR-based rehabilitation software. Future research should explore software refinement and clinical efficacy to maximize the therapeutic potential of such technologies.

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Copyright

© The authors. All rights reserved. This is a privileged document currently under peer-review/community review (or an accepted/rejected manuscript). Authors have provided JMIR Publications with an exclusive license to publish this preprint on it’s website for review and ahead-of-print citation purposes only. While the final peer-reviewed paper may be licensed under a cc-by license on publication, at this stage authors and publisher expressively prohibit redistribution of this draft paper other than for review purposes.

Citation

Please cite as:

Seojin H, Hyun C, Hyosun K

Medical Device Based on a Virtual Reality–Based Upper Limb Rehabilitation Software: Usability Evaluation Through Cognitive Walkthrough

JMIR Formative Research

DOI: 10.2196/14886

URL: https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/11848

PMID: 31789598

PMCID: 6352016

Medical Device Based on a Virtual Reality–Based Upper Limb Rehabilitation Software: Usability Evaluation Through Cognitive Walkthrough

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