Banca de DEFESA: CLARISSA FERNANDES BEZERRA

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : CLARISSA FERNANDES BEZERRA
DATE: 28/08/2025
TIME: 14:00
LOCAL: Remoto
TITLE:

DEVELOPMENT AND USABILITY ASSESSMENT OF A VIBROTACTILE BIOFEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

KEY WORDS:

Wearable Devices; Biofeedback; Postural Control

PAGES: 85
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional
SUMMARY:

Introduction: Postural instability is one of the cardinal signs of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and an important predictor of falls in this population. It can be assessed through Plantar Pressure Distribution (PPD). The use of wearable (in-shoe) devices containing pressure-sensitive sensors is considered a promising strategy for evaluating PPD, with potential therapeutic benefits for postural instability through vibrotactile biofeedback.

Objective: To develop and evaluate the performance and usability of a wearable device containing a Vibrotactile Biofeedback System (VBS) for PPD analysis.

Methodology: This is a development and testing (proof of concept) study of a device composed of a pair of insoles containing Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) sensors and a VBS. Preliminary performance was analyzed by testing the device on individuals with and without PD during four static standing tasks. Operational usability was assessed via a custom questionnaire regarding device functioning. User satisfaction was evaluated using the adapted Brazilian version of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (B-QUEST 2.0). Usability assessments were performed immediately after device use, both by operators (operational usability) and users (satisfaction). Performance and usability data were analyzed descriptively.

Results: The sample comprised female volunteers with PD (N=3) and without PD (N=3), with mean ages of 56.33 (±11.59) and 54.33 (±10.79) years, respectively. Preliminary device performance revealed differences in FSR sensor activation patterns and PPD, as well as distinct VBS responses between groups. Regarding operational usability, the device was rated satisfactory, especially concerning battery autonomy and real-time data transmission, in both groups. User satisfaction scores on the adapted B-QUEST 2.0 also indicated a satisfactory level of usability for both groups.

Conclusion: The developed device demonstrated preliminary viability in terms of performance and usability. Larger sample studies and validation against gold-standard instruments are necessary to verify clinical applicability and the therapeutic use of VBS for postural instability in individuals with PD.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Externa à Instituição - LORENNA MARQUES DE MELO SANTIAGO - ISD
Externa ao Programa - 2682800 - LUCIANA DE ANDRADE MENDES - nullPresidente - 2319151 - TATIANA SOUZA RIBEIRO