Using Motivational Theories to Inform Design of Assistive Technology for Motivating Rehabilitation

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Stroke is the largest single cause of disability in the UK. Active participation and engagement have been demonstrated to promote recovery. Post-stroke patients can experience reduced motivation. (Stroke Association, 2008) Motivation is reported to affect both rehabilitation and the outcomes of rehabilitation. (Maclean, 2000) In order to develop appropriate technology to encourage motivation of patients to continue completing exercises, motivational theories must be understood and applied during the design process. Method A literature search of motivation theory and factors influencing motivation led to development of a framework. The framework provided factors which needed to be incorporated into user centred design sessions. These are presented as a mind map and include internal, clinical and social factors. Key aspects were then used to develop prototypes along with user feedback. Results A motivational framework has been developed to inform the prototype development. A prototype has been designed to enabling the user to read an e-book whilst completing exercises – in order to go to the next sentence an exercise must be completed with the upper limb. Conclusion Motivational theories can offer a framework to inform the design of health technologies addressing patient and therapist aims as well as incorporating individual interests to enhance motivation. Identifying influences highlight that each user is likely to have different expectations and needs from a technology system to promote rehabilitation. Increased understanding of motivation and self-efficacy and the numerous factors affecting them can lead to improvements in health technology designs with greater patient engagement in technology mediated rehabilitation.

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Identifiers

ORCID for A.M. Hughes: orcid.org/0000-0002-3958-8206

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