Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
The usability of a video feedback-based walking aid skills training program: a multi-method study.
Abstract
Purpose: To explore the usability of a novel interactive video-based educational mobile application for teaching walking aid skills to users with various indications for and experiences with using walking aids.
Materials and Methods: This study employed a multi-method design. Participants used the app on two occasions, two weeks apart. Usability was explored through semi-structured interviews and the System Usability Scale (SUS) at the end of the intervention. Interviews were analysed thematically using the Braun and Clarke approach. A combination of inductive and deductive coding was used, leveraging constructs from the Technology Acceptance Model (taM) and adding new themes as they emerged.
Results: Twelve walking aid users [mean (SD) age 54.2 (15.8) years; 6 males] participated. The mean (SD) SUS score was 88.3 (10.5). Four themes emerged: experiences of walking aid training, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and motivations for app use.
Conclusion: The SUS score obtained in this study was indicative of high usability (96th-100th percentile). Walking aid users found the interactive app to be easy-to-use and a useful platform for learning and maintaining walking aid skills. Participants also highlighted areas for improving the app, such as adding an audio component.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Many walking aid users do not receive adequate guidance on device fitting or assisted gait patterns, which may contribute to injury or falls.
An interactive, video feedback-based mobile application may provide accessible education on safe walking aid use to bridge this knowledge gap.
Walking aid users found this mobile application to be highly usable.
