A qualitative study exploring physiotherapists’ insights on the design and development of technology-enhanced gait and balance assessment systems for older adults

Abstract

Background: Despite the eruption of digital care systems for older adults, their benefits and challenges in clinical practice are uncertain. Objective: We aimed to explore physiotherapists’ perspectives on technology-based gait and balance assessment systems for older adults and provide exploration insights to inform potential design requirements and candidate metrics for future systems. Methods: Qualitative research based on semi-structured interviews with 20 physiotherapists was conducted to examine physiotherapists’ expertise in gait and balance evaluations (e.g., clinical processes, tests, and metrics), constraints and obstacles during clinical practices, and perspectives on the essential attributes and functionalities of optimal technology-infused systems. Results: Findings indicate the Berg Balance Scale and movements of the pelvis, hip, knee, and feet are crucial for assessment. In addressing the constraints of conventional clinical assessments, technology-driven platforms enable the ongoing surveillance of daily movements and the quantification of kinematic measures. Physiotherapists also emphasized the significance of technology-integrated systems, accentuating physiotherapy-led evaluations, safety protocols, and non-intrusiveness. Conclusion: This study serves as an effort to bridge the gap between technological progressions and real-world implementations through the lens of physiotherapists.