The design of an intuitive interface for the GyBAR

Simplifying the controls of a balance assistance device for optimal adoption by physical therapists

Master thesis (2022)

Authors

A.D.G. Estrada Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

K. Poggensee Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
B.T. Sterke Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
H. Vallery Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
J.C.F. de Winter Human-Robot Interaction - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2022 Daniela Estrada
Technology Acceptance Model Interface design Balance assistance GyBAR
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Published Date

09-12-2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

According to the WHO, falls are responsible for over 38 million disability-adjusted life years lost each year, globally. Additionally, an estimated 684.000 individuals die of falling each year, making it the second leading cause of unintentional death. One of the most effective physical activity interventions to reduce the risk of falling, is targeted exercise that safely challenges balance. One tool, that is currently
being developed, which can aid physical therapists with these interventions is the GyBAR. A wearable device that uses gyroscopes to apply moments to the patient. This can be used to either provide balance assistance or challenge balance by applying perturbations. The goal of this research was to develop an interface for the GyBAR. The interface should contribute to the acceptance of the GyBAR. This can be achieved by an excellent perceived ease of use, which combined with perceived usefulness
are indicators for the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The interface inspired by a Voodoo-doll was developed by going through the following design process steps; the creation of a list of requirements; a brainstorm to generate ideas; the development of three concepts; and the selection and development of one concept into a prototype. The Voodoo Doll controls the GyBAR by a handheld model of the patient, which can be manipulated and translates the movements of the model to the actual patient. User tests were performed to validate the design. With a SUS-score of 82.81 (SD=7.48), which is within the 90-95 percentile, it can be concluded that the interface has an excellent perceived ease of use. Further development is encouraged are several recommendations for points of improvement are given.