The Immediate Effects of Different Types of Augmented Feedback on Fast Walking Speed Performance and Intrinsic Motivation After Stroke

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the immediate effects of different types of augmented feedback on walking speed and intrinsic motivation post-stroke. DesignA within-subjects repeated-measures design. SettingA university rehabilitation center. ParticipantsEighteen individuals with chronic stroke hemiparesis with a mean age of 55.67±13.63 years and median stroke onset of 36 (24, 81) months (N=18). InterventionsNot applicable. Primary outcomeFast walking speed measured on a robotic treadmill for 13 meters without feedback and 13 meters with augmented feedback on each of the 3 experimental conditions: (1) without virtual reality (VR), (2) with a simple VR interface, and (3) with VR-exergame. Intrinsic motivation was measured using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI). ResultsAlthough the differences were not statistically significant, fast-walking speed was higher in the augmented feedback without VR (0.86±0.44 m/s); simple VR interface (0.87±0.41 m/s); VR-exergame (0.87±0.44 m/s) conditions than in the fast-walking speed without feedback (0.81±0.40 m/s) condition. The type of feedback had a significant effect on intrinsic motivation (P=.04). The post hoc analysis revealed borderline significance on IMI-interest and enjoyment between the VR-exergame condition and the without-VR condition (P=.091). ConclusionAugmenting feedback affected the intrinsic motivation and enjoyment of adults with stroke asked to walk fast on a robotic treadmill. Additional studies with larger samples are warranted to examine the relations among these aspects of motivation and ambulation training outcomes.