Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38421708›Full record

ArticleJMIR human factors2024

Physical Therapists' Acceptance of a Wearable, Fabric-Based Sensor System (Motion Tape) for Use in Clinical Practice: Qualitative Focus Group Study.

Audrey Lee, Patricia Dionicio, Emilia Farcas, Job Godino, Kevin Patrick, Elijah Wyckoff, Kenneth J Loh, Sara Gombatto

Open access · goldAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in JMIR human factors, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
4.0field-weighted citation impact, top 7% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed, 9 citations in OpenAlex.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.

Audrey LeeDepartment of Bioengineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States.ORCID 0009-0005-2190-234X
Patricia DionicioJoint Doctoral Program in Public Health, San Diego State University and University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.ORCID 0000-0002-9661-0617
Emilia FarcasQualcomm Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.ORCID 0000-0001-6485-0141
Job GodinoQualcomm Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.ORCID 0000-0002-4852-6277
Kevin PatrickQualcomm Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.ORCID 0000-0002-7334-3042
Elijah WyckoffActive, Responsive, Multifunctional, and Ordered-materials Research (ARMOR) Laboratory, Department of Structural Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.ORCID 0000-0002-8467-2984
Kenneth J LohActive, Responsive, Multifunctional, and Ordered-materials Research (ARMOR) Laboratory, Department of Structural Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.ORCID 0000-0003-1448-6251
Sara GombattoSchool of Exercise & Nutritional Sciences, College of Health & Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States.ORCID 0000-0002-8284-4789
University of California San Diego · USSan Diego State University · US

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a costly global health condition that affects individuals of all ages and genders. Physical therapy (PT) is a commonly used and effective intervention for the management of LBP and incorporates movement assessment and therapeutic exercise. A newly developed wearable, fabric-based sensor system, Motion Tape, uses novel sensing and data modeling to measure lumbar spine movements unobtrusively and thus offers potential benefits when used in conjunction with PT. However, physical therapists' acceptance of Motion Tape remains unexplored.

objectiveThe primary aim of this research study was to evaluate physical therapists' acceptance of Motion Tape to be used for the management of LBP. The secondary aim was to explore physical therapists' recommendations for future device development.

methodsLicensed physical therapists from the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Leadership Technology Special Interest Group participated in this study. Overall, 2 focus groups (FGs; N=8) were conducted, in which participants were presented with Motion Tape samples and examples of app data output on a poster. Informed by the Technology Acceptance Model, we conducted semistructured FGs and explored the wearability, usefulness, and ease of use of and suggestions for improvements in Motion Tape for PT management of LBP. FG data were transcribed and analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis.

resultsRegarding wearability, participants perceived that Motion Tape would be able to adhere for several days, with some variability owing to external factors. Feedback was positive for the low-profile and universal fit, but discomfort owing to wires and potential friction with clothing was of concern. Other concerns included difficulty with self-application and potential skin sensitivity. Regarding usefulness, participants expressed that Motion Tape would enhance the efficiency and specificity of assessments and treatment. Regarding ease of use, participants stated that the app would be easy, but data management and challenges with interpretation were of concern. Physical therapists provided several recommendations for future design improvements including having a wireless system or removable wires, customizable sizes for the tape, and output including range of motion data and summary graphs and adding app features that consider patient input and context.

conclusionsSeveral themes related to Motion Tape's wearability, usefulness, and ease of use were identified. Overall, physical therapists expressed acceptance of Motion Tape's potential for assessing and monitoring low back posture and movement, both within and outside clinical settings. Participants expressed that Motion Tape would be a valuable tool for the personalized treatment of LBP but highlighted several future improvements needed for Motion Tape to be used in practice.

Indexed as

Low Back PainPhysical TherapistsWearable Electronic DevicesFemaleFocus GroupsHumansMaleMotionQualitative Researchkinesiology tapelow back painmotion tapephysical therapistphysical therapytechnology acceptance modelwearable sensor

Identifiers

PMID38421708
PMCPMC10940997
OpenAlexW4390939467

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.