ExerTiles: A Tangible Interactive Physiotherapy Toolkit for Balance Training with Older Adults

Abstract

This study investigates the potential value of tangible interactive technology as a tool for physiotherapists in their work with older adults. The starting point for the investigation was the observation that physiotherapists are bricoleurs—that is, practitioners who are skillful in creatively using the available materials in their environment. We conducted co-design workshops with physiotherapists that informed the development of a prototype toolkit, the ExerTiles, comprising a set of interactive tiles with control components. The toolkit was assessed by seven physiotherapists who created balance training exercises for two older adults each. Post-test interviews revealed that all the physiotherapists were highly positive toward using the ExerTiles as part of their professional work. The following five factors contributed toward the acceptance of ExerTiles by the physiotherapists: tailorability, versatile training, creativity, fun, and portability. Our research indicates that tangible interactive technology has a strong potential to integrate with and add value to physiotherapy practice.