Distractive User Interface for Repetitive Motor Tasks: A Pilot Study

Innovative design features of user interfaces could assist a patient during the accomplishment of repetitive physical exercises in training and rehabilitation. Dual task paradigms can induce a change in attentional focus allocation, moving focus away from a body part which is affected by fatigue. This study proposes an interface which integrates the motion tracking capabilities of a Kinect with the touch screen input data and vibration feedback of a smart phone. This interface is exploited to design and evaluate a dual task paradigm tested through an experimental study. Purpose of such paradigm is to support upper arm rehabilitation, by generating a distraction from the target area of the limb during repetitive tasks. The data collected during the experiments and the interface itself will be analyzed and discussed.