Successful performance of basic gestures in tablet technology in post stroke patients: A feasibility study.
BACKGROUND Tablet technology is a promising tool for assisting therapeutic strategies in stroke rehabilitation. However, it is not clear whether the basic gestures (e.g. click, double click) are feasible. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the successful performance of gestures and associated factors. METHODS This cross sectional study was conducted at a rehabilitation center in Austria. The successful tablet use was checked on a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (10.1 Wi Fi 25.6 cm; 10.1 Zoll) with a specifically developed app. To identify factors associated with successful use, impairments in activities of daily living (Barthel index) cognitive functions (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA) motor functions (Nine Hole Peg Test) and grip strength (handgrip dynamometer) were assessed. RESULTS One hundred and twenty nine participants were analyzed, whereof 53.5% had a paretic upper limp and 69.2% was able to perform all gestures with at least one hand. Factors associated with successful use were higher Barthel index (OR: 1.06; 95% CI 1.01 1.11) and MoCA (OR: 1.21; 95% CI 1.01 1.44) whereas lower age (OR: 0.91; 95% CI 0.83 0.99) and a paretic hand (OR: 0.12; 95% CI 0.01 0.99) were associated with a lesser likelihood. Additionally, 18.6% successfully performed all gestures with the paretic hand, whereof 74% could not perform the double click and 77.0% were not able to zoom. CONCLUSIONS The majority of stroke patients are able to perform the basic gestures on a tablet with at least one hand, but only few patients with a paresis could do them. Gestures like double clicking and zooming should be avoided when designing apps for rehabilitation, as especially these were found difficult.
Technology and health care official journal of the European Society for Engineering and Medicine