Automated Movement Feedback for Recovering Independence in the Sit-to-Stand Movement in an Older Population: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of a Novel System

Abstract

Background The sit-to-stand (StS) movement is a frequently performed task critical to independent living that is both difficult to perform and associated with falls in older populations. Consequently, the recovery of this movement through supervised practice is a priority during the rehabilitation of older people. Technology may enable self-practice, potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility and effectiveness of an automated movement feedback system for recovering the StS movement in an older population. Methods This was a phase two pilot randomised controlled trial. Participants were in-patients on a geriatric rehabilitation unit with an impaired StS ability. Following baseline outcome measurements, including quantifying the number of StS executions 48 hours pre- and post- trial, participants were block randomised to either a control group receiving standard rehabilitation or an experimental group receiving standard rehabilitation augmented with a novel automated movement feedback system for the StS training sessions. The intervention aimed to last four weeks with outcome measures repeated following completion. Results Eighteen participants (81.25+/- 7.31 years) were evenly distributed between the two groups and interventions were completed without incident. The novel feedback group provided positive feedback on their experience, reporting the system to be motivating and instructive. Differences between the groups were statistically significant (p