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Mobilise-D
Published February 1, 2023 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Acceptability of wearable devices for measuring mobility remotely: Observations from the Mobilise-D technical validation study

Creators

  • 1. Insight Centre for Data Analytics, O'Brien Science Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • 2. Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
  • 3. Physiotherapy Department, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
  • 4. INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
  • 5. Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
  • 6. Eran Gazit Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
  • 7. Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
  • 8. Gesellschaft für Medizinische Forschung, Robert-Bosch Foundation GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
  • 9. Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel Department of Physical Therapy, Sackler Faculty of Medicine & Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
  • 10. Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Physiotherapy Department, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
  • 11. Department of Neuroscience and Sheffield NIHR Translational Neuroscience BRC, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
  • 12. Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Description

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to explore the acceptability of a wearable device for remotely measuring mobility in the Mobilise-D technical validation study (TVS), and to explore the acceptability of using digital tools to monitor health.

Methods

Participants (N = 106) in the TVS wore a waist-worn device (McRoberts Dynaport MM + ) for one week. Following this, acceptability of the device was measured using two questionnaires: The Comfort Rating Scale (CRS) and a previously validated questionnaire. A subset of participants (n = 36) also completed semi-structured interviews to further determine device acceptability and to explore their opinions of the use of digital tools to monitor their health. Questionnaire results were analysed descriptively and interviews using a content analysis.

Results

The device was considered both comfortable (median CRS (IQR; min-max) = 0.0 (0.0; 0–20) on a scale from 0–20 where lower scores signify better comfort) and acceptable (5.0 (0.5; 3.0–5.0) on a scale from 1–5 where higher scores signify better acceptability). Interviews showed it was easy to use, did not interfere with daily activities, and was comfortable. The following themes emerged from participants’ as being important to digital technology: altered expectations for themselves, the use of technology, trust, and communication with healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

Digital tools may bridge existing communication gaps between patients and clinicians and participants are open to this. This work indicates that waist-worn devices are supported, but further work with patient advisors should be undertaken to understand some of the key issues highlighted. This will form part of the ongoing work of the Mobilise-D consortium.

Notes

This work was supported by the Mobilise-D project that has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No. 820820. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). Content in this publication reflects the authors' view and neither IMI nor the European Union, EFPIA, or any Associated Partners are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

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Additional details

Funding

MOBILISE-D – Connecting digital mobility assessment to clinical outcomes for regulatory and clinical endorsement 820820
European Commission