Research Abstract:

Background: The Use My Arm (UMA) promotes repeated practice and use of the affected arm in the activities of daily living (ADLs) for stroke survivors based on functional upper extremity levels (FUEL). UMA program is designed to be completed outside of the clinic and is currently issued using paper and binders. In light of the pervasive adoption and use of mobile technologies in stroke population, a digital version of UMA program is being developed, and we are exploring how to visually present ADLs according to different functional levels. Methods: In phase 1, researchers conducted activity analysis of common ADLs completed by stroke survivors based on established functional levels of the affected arm. We developed paper and digital prototypes for two common ADL tasks: hand washing and getting a drink from the refrigerator. We have created three prototypes for each ADL activity which visually display as index cards, a pamphlet, and a chart. Each prototype depicts variations of how to demonstrate what a person’s affected and unaffected arm are doing based on their functional level. Six stroke survivors will participate in one session to provide user feedback on the current prototypes. Results: Based on the user feedback, we will revise the prototypes and determine which aspects of each prototype visually communicate information about performing ADLs most effectively . The refinements will be used to inform the subsequent phase of the project including a digital prototype and expansion of activities.