BACKGROUND Wearable activity monitors that track step count can increase the wearer's physical activity and motivation but are infrequently designed for the slower gait speed and compensatory patterns after stroke. New and available technology may allow for the design of stroke-specific wearable monitoring devices, capable of detecting more than just step counts, which may enhance how rehabilitation is delivered. The objective of this study was to identify important considerations in the development of stroke-specific lower extremity wearable monitoring technology for rehabilitation, from the perspective of physical therapists and individuals with stroke. METHODS A qualitative research design with focus groups was used to collect data. Five focus groups were conducted, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using content analysis to generate overarching categories representing the stakeholder considerations for the development of stroke-specific wearable monitor technology for the lower extremity. RESULTS A total of 17 physical therapists took part in four focus group discussions and three individuals with stroke participated in the fifth focus group. Our analysis identified four main categories for consideration: 1) 'Variability' described the heterogeneity of patient presentation, therapy approaches, and therapeutic goals that are taken into account for stroke rehabilitation; 2) 'Context of use' described the different settings and purposes for which stakeholders could foresee employing stroke-specific wearable technology; 3) 'Crucial design features' identified the measures, functions, and device characteristics that should be considered for incorporation into prospective technology to enhance uptake; and 4) 'Barriers to adopting technology' highlighted challenges, including personal attitudes and design flaws, that may limit the integration of current and future wearable monitoring technology into clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this qualitative study suggest that the development of stroke-specific lower extremity wearable monitoring technology is viewed positively by physical therapists and individuals with stroke. While a single, specific device or function may not accommodate all the variable needs of therapists and their clients, it was agreed that wearable monitoring technology could enhance how physical therapists assess and treat their clients. Future wearable devices should be developed in consideration of the highlighted design features and potential barriers for uptake.

中文翻译：

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对中风特异性下肢可穿戴监测技术的前瞻性发展的展望：与物理治疗师和中风患者进行的定性焦点小组研究。


背景技术跟踪步数的可穿戴活动监视器可以增加穿戴者的身体活动和动力，但很少针对中风后较慢的步态速度和补偿模式而设计。新的可用技术可能允许设计针对中风的可穿戴监测设备，该设备能够检测的不仅仅是步数，这可能会增强康复的实施方式。本研究的目的是从物理治疗师和中风患者的角度，确定开发中风专用下肢可穿戴康复监测技术的重要考虑因素。方法 采用焦点小组定性研究设计来收集数据。进行了五个焦点小组讨论、录音并逐字转录。使用内容分析对数据进行分析，以生成代表利益相关者对开发下肢中风专用可穿戴监测技术的考虑因素的总体类别。结果 共有 17 名物理治疗师参加了四次焦点小组讨论，三名中风患者参加了第五次焦点小组讨论。 我们的分析确定了需要考虑的四个主要类别：1）“变异性”描述了中风康复中考虑的患者表现、治疗方法和治疗目标的异质性； 2) “使用环境”描述了利益相关者可以预见采用针对中风的可穿戴技术的不同设置和目的； 3) “关键设计特征”确定了应考虑纳入前瞻性技术以提高采用率的措施、功能和设备特性； 4) “采用技术的障碍”强调了挑战，包括个人态度和设计缺陷，这些挑战可能会限制当前和未来可穿戴监测技术融入临床实践。结论 这项定性研究的结果表明，物理治​​疗师和中风患者对中风专用下肢可穿戴监测技术的发展持积极态度。虽然单一的特定设备或功能可能无法满足治疗师及其客户的所有可变需求，但人们一致认为可穿戴监测技术可以增强物理治疗师评估和治疗客户的方式。未来的可穿戴设备的开发应考虑到突出的设计特点和潜在的应用障碍。