Using an interactive virtual environment to integrate a digital Action Research Arm Test, motor imagery and action observation to assess and improve upper limb motor function in patients with neuromuscular impairments: a usability and feasibility study protocol

Frank Behrendt; Corina Schuster-Amft

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019646

Using an interactive virtual environment to integrate a digital Action Research Arm Test, motor imagery and action observation to assess and improve upper limb motor function in patients with neuromuscular impairments: a usability and feasibility study protocol

BMJ Open. 2018 Jul 16;8(7):e019646. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019646.

Authors

Frank Behrendt^{1

2}, Corina Schuster-Amft^{1

3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Research Department, Reha Rheinfelden, Rheinfelden, Switzerland.
² University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
³ Institute for Rehabilitation and Performance Technology, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Burgdorf, Switzerland.
⁴ Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

Abstract

Introduction: In the recent past, training systems using an interactive virtual environment have been introduced to neurorehabilitation. Such systems can be applied to encourage purposeful limb movements and will increasingly be used at home by the individual patient. Therefore, an integrated valid and reliable assessment tool on the basis of such a system to monitor the recovery process would be an essential asset.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate usability, feasibility and validity of the digital version of the Action Research Arm Test using the Bi-Manu-Trainer system as a platform. Additionally, the feasibility and usability of the implementation of action observation and motor imagery tasks into the Bi-Manu-Trainer software will be evaluated.

Patients and methods: This observational study is planned as a single-arm trial for testing the new assessment and the action observation and motor imagery training module. Therefore, 75 patients with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury or Guillain-Barré syndrome will be included. 30 out of the 75 patients will additionally take part in a 4-week training on the enhanced Bi-Manu-Trainer system. Primary outcomes will be the score on the System Usability Scale and the correlation between the conventional and digital Action Research Arm Test scores. Secondary outcomes will be hand dexterity, upper limb activities of daily living and quality of life.

Hypothesis: We hypothesise that the digital Action Research Arm Test assessment is a valid and essential tool and that it is feasible to incorporate action observation and motor imagery into Bi-Manu-Trainer practice. The results are expected to give recommendations for necessary modifications and might also contribute knowledge concerning the application of action observation and motor imagery tasks using a training system such as the Bi-Manu-Trainer.

Trial registration number: NCT03268304; Pre-results.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis; parkinson’s disease; rehabilitation medicine; stroke.

Publication types

Clinical Trial Protocol
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Activities of Daily Living
Disability Evaluation*
Exercise Therapy
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Imagery, Psychotherapy
Male
Motor Activity
Neuromuscular Diseases / rehabilitation*
Observational Studies as Topic
Prospective Studies
Quality of Life
Recovery of Function*
Research Design
Treatment Outcome
Upper Extremity / physiopathology*
User-Computer Interface*

Associated data

ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03268304