Incorporating research technology into the clinical assessment of balance and mobility: perspectives of physiotherapists and people with stroke.

PURPOSE

To describe the perspectives of people with stroke and their physiotherapists on the use of biomechanics technology to assess balance and mobility.

METHODS

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with patients with stroke and a focus group with their physiotherapists. Coding of interview and focus-group data used a line-by-line inductive approach, with qualitative software to develop codes into themes.

RESULTS

The quantitative data from the assessment were seen as beneficial to providing patients with insight into balance and mobility problems. Physiotherapists found that the assessment confirmed clinical reasoning and aided in precise evaluation of progress but expressed mixed opinions as to whether treatment choice was influenced. Patients would have liked more communication regarding the purpose of the assessment. Patients also stated that trust in their physiotherapists helped them overcome anxieties and that confidence was gained through exposure to more challenging balance assessments. Physiotherapists advocated for the use of a harness system to safely incorporate reactive balance control assessment and training into practice.

CONCLUSION

Both patients and therapists saw value in the quantitative data provided by the assessment. Regardless of the technology used, patients value a strong physiotherapist-patient relationship. Ongoing collaboration between clinicians and researchers should guide the evolution of technology into clinically useful tools.