Capturing Real-Time Behavior of Post Stroke Survivors using Mobile Technologies

This paper presents the design and implementation of a technology platform to capture and analyze the real-time behavior of stroke survivors in their everyday living environments. We collected data on participants ‘self-perceived activity challenges and skills, moods, and environmental context using the Experience Sampling Method (ESM). Through involving clinicians, therapists, and researchers in a co-design methodology, we built the Staying Connected mobile app using the latest mobile technologies and an interactive dashboard for data analysis and visualization. A pilot study involving stroke survivors and healthy individuals was conducted to refine the user experience and validate the system. The data analysis was based on Flow theory, which emphasizes a state of deep involvement and satisfaction in activities. The platform adeptly integrates real-time experience data collection via random sampling and goal directed activity-based feedback. Out of 327 experience samples collected from 11 healthy participants, 43 (13%) were found in flow. Similarly, from 112 experience samples collected from 8 stroke survivors, 15 (13%) were found in flow. An interactive analytic dashboard provided therapists with more tailored insights into the participants' real-time behaviors and experiences. The development of this platform marks a significant step forward in capturing and comprehending the real-time behavior of stroke survivors. It supports the effectiveness of the co-design process in developing real-time clinical applications and highlights the platform's capacity to customize therapies and enhance patient outcomes.