A functionality, safety and validity study of innovative REACH devices
D. Kozak, S. Burgermeister, J.D.B. de Chassey, A. Naef, A. Maringue, D. Dietrich
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AbstractIntroduction： Ageing is one of the major challenges affecting health-care systems in developed countries. Sedentary lifestyle is common among elderlies and associated with increased mortality, morbidity and decreased autonomy and quality of life. Accordingly, one cornerstone of the REACH
project is to promote physical activity. In particular, in touchpoint cluster 1, a personal
mobility device integrating a monitoring solution will be created. This study aims to assess
the safety, validity and functionality of devices that may be adapted for this purpose:
a rehabilitation equipment produced by Alreh Medical, the iStander activ, its software,
Neuroforma, and a sensor, the Fitbit Charge 2. Methods： Patients hospitalized at the geriatric
division of Geneva University Hospitals and healthy controls were recruited. Patients
were randomly assigned to train their transfers with the iStander activ and its associated-
software, neuroforma, or according to the Standard Medical Care during 4 consecutive
days over 30 minutes. Healthy controls trained their transfers using the iStander activ
and Neuroforma. Exercises were monitored by the Fitbit Charge 2. Safety was assessed by
free reporting, functionality by the NASA Task-Load Index (NTLI) and by free commenting
by patients and care-givers. Differences between heart rate values measured by the Fitbit
device and those measured by care-givers assessed the accuracy of heart rate measurement
by the Fitbit device. Results No major safety issues were reported. Functionality
assessment by care-givers and patients concluded that the iStander in its current form is
not properly suited for transfer training in this use case but would be more effective in situations requiring strong trunk stabilization such as upper limb exercises or lower limb exercises for patients suffering from severe lower-limb paresia. The verticalisation force was
reported as too strong and the range of possible movements too limited. Some patients
reported not being interested in associated videogame interface and suggestions of design
improvements were made. The ease-of-use and comfort of the Fitbit were appreciated but
the wristband was reported as difficult to adapt. The comparison of heart rate values raised
concerns about the potential use of the Fitbit Charge 2 as a heart rate measurement tool
for REACH. Conclusion: Our study, though exploratory, provides important insights for
the development of the touchpoint cluster 1 personal mobility device.Keywords: physical activity, elderly, functionality, rehabilitation, HR, mobility, senior
D. Kozak, S. Burgermeister, J.D.B. de Chassey, A. Naef, A. Maringue, D. Dietrich (2017). A functionality, safety and validity study of innovative REACH devices. Gerontechnology, 16(3), 181-188
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2017.16.3.007.00