Identifying requirements of an IMU-based gait assessment interface for incomplete spinal cord injury through user-centred design approach

Abstract

For most patients with an incomplete spinal cord injury, gait rehabilitation plays a key role in functional recovery. Gait is usually assessed by physiotherapists and rehabilitation physicians through observational analysis or by specialized personnel through laboratory gait analysis. However, observational analysis is prone to misjudgment, and laboratory analysis is complex and time-consuming. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) could be an interesting alternative to bring objective gait analysis closer to the actual healthcare providers. This article focuses on identifying the requirements of an IMU-based gait assessment interface for use in a clinical setting by rehabilitation physicians and physiotherapists. The design process consisted of four stages: (1) user research to identify physicians’ and physiotherapists’ needs and expectations, and the context wherein the system will be used; (2) analysing and interpreting user research results to collect insights and define the design vision; (3) conceptualization and evaluation of initial concepts for the layout of the gait assessment interface and visualization of the gait parameters; (4) developing and evaluating the initial design and prototype of the interface. Future research will need to be conducted to further develop the usability and functionality of the interface.