scholarly journals Feasibility of a Home-Based Tablet App for Dexterity Training in Multiple Sclerosis: Usability Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Jantine Willemijn van Beek ◽  
Erwin Everardus Henri van Wegen ◽  
Marc Berend Rietberg ◽  
Thomas Nyffeler ◽  
Stephan Bohlhalter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Adherence Rate ◽  
Home Based ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
System Usability

BACKGROUND Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience dexterous difficulties during the performance of activities of daily living, such as fastening buttons, handling coins, or writing, therefore impacting their health-related quality of life. Mobile health (mHealth) solutions, such as tablet apps, may be used to train impaired dexterous skills. The feasibility of a tablet app–based dexterity home-based intervention in MS (TAD-MS) has not been explored yet in persons with MS. OBJECTIVE The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and usability of home-based dexterity training with a tablet app in both persons with MS and healthy subjects. METHODS A total of 9 persons with MS, aged 35-71 years, with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score between 2 and 7.5, performed the TAD-MS for 4 weeks, five times a week, with each training session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Participants’ impaired dexterity was measured by the Nine-Hole Peg Test. A total of 10 age-matched healthy subjects also tested and rated the usability of the app. Outcome measures were the adherence rate as well as usability measured by the System Usability Scale and a Custom User Engagement Questionnaire (CUEQ). RESULTS High feasibility of the tablet app–based dexterity training program was shown by a 97% adherence rate to the training protocol (ie, mean 19.4/20 sessions completed, SD 0.8). High system usability scores (ie, mean 85.39%, SD 11.67) and overall high scores given in the CUEQ (ie, mean 8.2/10, SD 1.4) further point to high usability of the app. Neither demographic variables nor dexterity levels affected the use of the app. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study is the first to demonstrate high feasibility and usability of a new tablet app–based dexterity home-based training program among both persons with MS and healthy individuals. Whether this kind of training improves dexterity will need to be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

scholarly journals Feasibility of a Home-Based Tablet App for Dexterity Training in Multiple Sclerosis: Usability Study

10.2196/18204 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. e18204
Author(s):  
Judith Jantine Willemijn van Beek ◽  
Erwin Everardus Henri van Wegen ◽  
Marc Berend Rietberg ◽  
Thomas Nyffeler ◽  
Stephan Bohlhalter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Adherence Rate ◽  
Home Based ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
System Usability

Background Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience dexterous difficulties during the performance of activities of daily living, such as fastening buttons, handling coins, or writing, therefore impacting their health-related quality of life. Mobile health (mHealth) solutions, such as tablet apps, may be used to train impaired dexterous skills. The feasibility of a tablet app–based dexterity home-based intervention in MS (TAD-MS) has not been explored yet in persons with MS. Objective The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and usability of home-based dexterity training with a tablet app in both persons with MS and healthy subjects. Methods A total of 9 persons with MS, aged 35-71 years, with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score between 2 and 7.5, performed the TAD-MS for 4 weeks, five times a week, with each training session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Participants’ impaired dexterity was measured by the Nine-Hole Peg Test. A total of 10 age-matched healthy subjects also tested and rated the usability of the app. Outcome measures were the adherence rate as well as usability measured by the System Usability Scale and a Custom User Engagement Questionnaire (CUEQ). Results High feasibility of the tablet app–based dexterity training program was shown by a 97% adherence rate to the training protocol (ie, mean 19.4/20 sessions completed, SD 0.8). High system usability scores (ie, mean 85.39%, SD 11.67) and overall high scores given in the CUEQ (ie, mean 8.2/10, SD 1.4) further point to high usability of the app. Neither demographic variables nor dexterity levels affected the use of the app. Conclusions This pilot study is the first to demonstrate high feasibility and usability of a new tablet app–based dexterity home-based training program among both persons with MS and healthy individuals. Whether this kind of training improves dexterity will need to be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

Dual task training in persons with Multiple Sclerosis: a feasability randomized controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 1322-1331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob J Sosnoff ◽  
Douglas A Wajda ◽  
Brian M Sandroff ◽  
Kathleen L Roeing ◽  
JongHun Sung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Adherence Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Task Training ◽  
Dual Task Training

Objective: To determine the feasibility of dual task training in persons with Multiple Sclerosis. Design: Randomized, single-blinded controlled trial. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: A total of 234 individuals inquired about the investigation. After screening, 20 individuals with multiple sclerosis who self-reported problems with multitasking and were ambulatory volunteered for the investigation. 14 participants completed the post-assessment following the 12-week intervention. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to either single task training program which focused on balance and walking function ( n=6) or dual task training program that incorporated cognitive tasks in balance and walking training ( n=8). Measures: Before and after the 12-week interventions participants underwent assessments of walking; dual task walking; balance (Berg Balance Scale and balance confidence) and cognition as indexed by the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS. Results: There was an 8.5% recruitment rate, a 70% retention rate, and a 100% adherence rate. There was a trend for dual task gait speed to improve in the dual task training group following the intervention (Pre: task 1: 109.8±39, task 2: 104.2±34.1; Post: task 1:127.6±40.1, task 2: 122.8±37.4; P=0.14; η2 = 0.24). There was also a trend for the dual task training group (28.1) to have greater performance than the control group (24.7) on visuospatial memory ( P=0.10; η2= 0.23). There were no changes in cognitive performance during walking trials. Conclusions: The study procedures were found to be feasible and improvements should be made in recruitment efforts going forward. Further examination of dual task training programs in individuals with multiple sclerosis is warranted.

Effects of a Home-Based Upper Limb Training Program in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 97 (12) ◽  
pp. 2027-2033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Araceli Ortiz-Rubio ◽  
Irene Cabrera-Martos ◽  
Janet Rodríguez-Torres ◽  
Waldo Fajardo-Contreras ◽  
Ana Díaz-Pelegrina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Home Based

Home-based training to improve manual dexterity in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 1546-1556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian P Kamm ◽  
Heinrich P Mattle ◽  
René M Müri ◽  
Mirjam R Heldner ◽  
Verena Blatter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Manual Dexterity ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Nine Hole Peg Test

Background: Impaired manual dexterity is frequent and disabling in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized, home-based training program to improve manual dexterity and dexterity-related ADL in MS patients. Methods: This was a randomized, rater-blinded controlled trial. Thirty-nine MS patients acknowledging impaired manual dexterity and having a pathological Coin Rotation Task (CRT), Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT) or both were randomized 1:1 into two standardized training programs, the dexterity training program and the theraband training program. Patients trained five days per week in both programs over a period of 4 weeks. Primary outcome measures performed at baseline and after 4 weeks were the CRT, 9HPT and a dexterous-related ADL questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures were the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI-8) and the JAMAR test. Results: The dexterity training program resulted in significant improvements in almost all outcome measures at study end compared with baseline. The theraband training program resulted in mostly non-significant improvements. Conclusion: The home-based dexterity training program significantly improved manual dexterity and dexterity-related ADL in moderately disabled MS patients. Trial Registration NCT01507636.

scholarly journals Randomized controlled trial of a home-based palliative approach for people with severe multiple sclerosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 663-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Solari ◽  
Andrea Giordano ◽  
Francesco Patti ◽  
Maria Grazia Grasso ◽  
Paolo Confalonieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Palliative Approach ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Palliative Care Outcome Scale

Background: Evidence on the efficacy of palliative care in persons with severe multiple sclerosis (MS) is scarce. Objective: To assess the efficacy of a home-based palliative approach (HPA) for adults with severe MS and their carers. Methods: Adults with severe MS-carer dyads were assigned (2:1 ratio) to either HPA or usual care (UC). At each center, a multi-professional team delivered the 6-month intervention. A blind examiner assessed dyads at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Primary outcome measures were Palliative care Outcome Scale-Symptoms-MS (POS-S-MS) and Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW, not assessed in severely cognitively compromised patients). Results: Of 78 dyads randomized, 76 (50 HPA, 26 UC) were analyzed. Symptom burden (POS-S-MS) significantly reduced in HPA group compared to UC ( p = 0.047). Effect size was 0.20 at 3 months and 0.32 at 6 months, and statistical significance was borderline in per-protocol analysis ( p = 0.062). Changes in SEIQoL-DW index did not differ in the two groups, as changes in secondary patient and carer outcomes. Conclusion: HPA slightly reduced symptoms burden. We found no evidence of HPA efficacy on patient quality of life and on secondary outcomes.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of an individually tailored home-based exercise rogramme for pre-frail older adults, driven by a tablet application and mobility monitoring: a pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilde A. E. Geraedts ◽  
Hidde Dijkstra ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Francisco Ibarra ◽  
Iman Khaghani Far ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Positive Results

Abstract Objectives To gain first insight into the effectiveness of a home-based exercise programme for pre-frail older adults with independent use of novel ICT technology. Methods A pilot study. Forty pre-frail older adults joined a six-month home-based exercise programme using a tablet PC for exercise administration and feedback, and a necklace-worn motion sensor for daily physical activity registration. Participants received weekly telephone supervision during the first 3 months and exercised independently without supervision from a coach during the last 3 months. Functional performance and daily physical activity were assessed at baseline, after three and 6 months. Results Twenty-one participants completed the programme. Overall, functional performance showed positive results varying from (very) small to large effects (Cohen’s d 0.04–0.81), mainly during the supervised part of the intervention. Regarding daily physical activity, a slight improvement with (very) small effects (Cohen’s d 0.07–0.38), was observed for both self-reported and objectively measured physical activity during the supervised period. However, during the unsupervised period this pattern only continued for self-reported physical activity. Conclusion This pilot study showed positive results varying from (very) small to large effects in levels and maintenance of functional performance and daily physical activity, especially during the supervised first 3 months. Remote supervision seems to importantly affect effectiveness of a home-based exercise programme. Effectiveness of the programme and the exact contribution of its components should be further quantified in a randomized controlled trial. Practice implications Home-based exercising using novel technology may be promising for functional performance and physical activity improvement in (pre-frail) older adults. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register (NTR); trial number NL4049. The study was prospectively registered (registration date 14/11/2013).

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