Summary
Objectives: 1) To enhance the content of an ontology for designing virtual environments (VEs)
for upper limb motor rehabilitation of stroke patients according to the suggestions
and comments of rehabilitation specialists and software developers, 2) to characterize
the perceived importance level of the ontology, 3) to determine the perceived usefulness
of the ontology, and 4) to identify the safety characteristics of the ontology for
VEs design according to the rehabilitation specialists.
Methods: Using two semi-structured Web questionnaires, we asked six rehabilitation specialists
and six software developers to provide us with their perception regarding the level
of importance and the usability of the ontology. From their responses we have identified
themes related to perceived and required safety characteristics of the ontology.
Results: Significant differences in the importance level were obtained for the Stroke Disability,
VE Configuration, Outcome Measures, and Safety Calibration classes, which were perceived
as highly important by rehabilitation specialists. Regarding usability, the ontology
was perceived by both groups with high usefulness, ease of use, learnability and intention
of use. Concerning the thematic analysis of recommendations, eight topics for safety
characteristics of the ontology were identified: adjustment of therapy strategies;
selection and delimitation of movements; selection and proper calibration of the interaction
device; proper selection of measuring instruments; gradual modification of the difficulty
of the exercise; adaptability and variability of therapy exercises; feedback according
to the capabilities of the patient; and real-time support for exercise training.
Conclusions: The rehabilitation specialists and software developers confirmed the importance of
the information contained in the ontology regarding motor rehabilitation of the upper
limb. Their recommendations highlight the safety features and the advantages of the
ontology as a guide for the effective design of VEs.
Keywords
Virtual environment - stroke - design - motor rehabilitation - ontology