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. 2024 Feb 29:11:e55246.
doi: 10.2196/55246.

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

Audrey Lee  1 , Patricia Dionicio  2 , Emilia Farcas  3 , Job Godino  3 , Kevin Patrick  3   4 , Elijah Wyckoff  5 , Kenneth J Loh  5 , Sara Gombatto  6
Affiliations

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

Audrey Lee et al. JMIR Hum Factors. .

Abstract

Background: Low 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.

Objective: The 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.

Methods: Licensed 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.

Results: Regarding 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.

Conclusions: Several 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.

Keywords: kinesiology tape; low back pain; motion tape; physical therapist; physical therapy; technology acceptance model; wearable sensor.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: KJL is a cofounder of JAK Labs Inc, a company that may potentially benefit from the study results. JAK Labs intends to commercialize Motion Tape for the physical therapy and rehabilitation market, among other markets. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the University of California San Diego in accordance with its conflicts of interest policies.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Motion Tape sample with conductive wire leads given to the physical therapists for evaluation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Study design overview—the evaluation of Motion Tape’s acceptability.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Poster of Motion Tape placement and app data output for a low back use case. (A) The laboratory setup with 6 pieces of Motion Tape and several optical motion capture markers on anatomical landmarks of the lumbar spine. (B) The graphs display the following: (1) blue—the normalized strain data for extension, captured by the 6 Motion Tapes, and (2) purple—the kinematics for extension in degrees, captured by the optical motion capture system (reference standard). (C) The normalized strain data for right and left lateral bending obtained from the 6 Motion Tapes. (D) The normalized strain data for right and left rotation obtained from the 6 Motion Tapes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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