Jacinta I Foster, Barbra H B Timmer, Katrina L Williams, Sandra G Brauer
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives: Sensory augmentation or "neurofeedback" devices have been used in balance rehabilitation to provide additional sensory information to complement natural sensory inputs and enhance sensory reweighting. The VertiGuard RT vibrotactile neurofeedback balance training system records body sway (direction, amplitude, and acceleration) via a wearable sensor and provides feedback to the wearer in real time via vibrotactile sensory feedback. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and usability of VertiGuard RT vibrotactile neurofeedback balance training in older adults with hearing loss and describe the participants' overall perspectives of the device and training.
Design: A mixed-methods design was used, including qualitative semistructured interviews analyzed using thematic analysis and the System Usability Scale for quantitative analysis.
Study sample: A subset of participants from a larger trial of the VertiGuard RT device (N = 14) of older adults with mild-to-profound hearing loss was recruited.
Results: Participants found the VertiGuard RT training feasible; however, usability varied, with a number of challenges, including technical issues, challenge level of the exercises, and degree of feedback.
Conclusion: This study provides suggestions for improving future iterations of the VertiGuard RT system and the design of technology-enhanced balance training systems for older adults.
期刊介绍：
Mission: AJA publishes peer-reviewed research and other scholarly articles pertaining to clinical audiology methods and issues, and serves as an outlet for discussion of related professional and educational issues and ideas. The journal is an international outlet for research on clinical research pertaining to screening, diagnosis, management and outcomes of hearing and balance disorders as well as the etiologies and characteristics of these disorders. The clinical orientation of the journal allows for the publication of reports on audiology as implemented nationally and internationally, including novel clinical procedures, approaches, and cases. AJA seeks to advance evidence-based practice by disseminating the results of new studies as well as providing a forum for critical reviews and meta-analyses of previously published work.
Scope: The broad field of clinical audiology, including audiologic/aural rehabilitation; balance and balance disorders; cultural and linguistic diversity; detection, diagnosis, prevention, habilitation, rehabilitation, and monitoring of hearing loss; hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hearing-assistive technology; hearing disorders; lifespan perspectives on auditory function; speech perception; and tinnitus.
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