Usability testing of digitally augmented visual feedback for remote exercise rehabilitation of injured dancers and athletes: a mixed-methods feasibility study
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Authors
Vikatou, Theano
Jubb, Caroline
Angioi, Manuela
Versace, Elisabetta
Abdallah, Diane
Weber, Xavier
Cavallaro, Andrea
Morrissey, Dylan
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Issue Date
2026
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Article
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OBJECTIVES: Digital tools facilitate equitable access to guided rehabilitation, however inadequate software and implementation compromise resultant movement fidelity and therefore outcomes. We aimed to develop, and evaluate the usability of, a novel digital tool to support tele-rehabilitation. DESIGN: An iterative-convergent mixed-methods was used to remotely support participants' rehabilitation. The digital tool superimposed an outline of optimal technique onto the body. SETTING: Online. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve injured dancers and 8 athletes were recruited (age: 32.4 ± 12.2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The System-Usability-Scale (SUS), complemented with explanatory qualitative interviews were analysed using a matching integration strategy and iteratively informed tool and implementation refinement. Scaled questions regarding movement accuracy, error-detection and confidence were analysed to determine efficacy. RESULTS: SUS mean scores, improved from the first round (mean ± SD) 67 ± 18.6 to the final round 86 ± 5, with all major usability issues resolved. Qualitative analysis revealed seven themes: accessibility, acceptability, integration, confidence, ease of use, learnability and satisfaction. Qualitative analysis guided problem identification and the underlying reasons. Meaningful differences after feedback were observed for accuracy (Cohen's d = 0.9,CI = 95 %) and error detection (d = 0.61) but not confidence (d = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Our digital tool demonstrates encouraging promise for enhancing tele-rehabilitation fidelity, motor-learning, and movement quality. Serious usability issues were resolved, yielding a tool suitable for wider release and integration into rehabilitation support software.
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Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine
Volume
78