Experiences of Exergaming for Upper Extremity Exercises in People With Systemic Sclerosis.
Yen T Chen, Grant Kruger, Anita Devine and 2 others
PMID 37162267WHAT IT FOUND
People with systemic sclerosis found an upper-extremity exergaming device highly usable and enjoyable.
They reported temporary pain and fatigue in nearly half the group. The study examined user experience, not whether the device improved hand function or adherence to home exercise.
Key findings
01Participants rated the device's usability as high, with a mean System Usability Scale score of 71.6.
02Most participants felt engaged and motivated by the exergaming, describing it as more enjoyable than conventional repetitive exercises.
03Nearly half of the participants reported temporary pain or fatigue while using the device, which was sometimes linked to weak grip strength or reduced hand mobility.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study did not evaluate clinical outcomes like hand function, strength, or adherence over time; it only assessed usability and experience. Participants were recruited from a single clinic and via social media, which may limit generalizability. The sample was small (n=20) and consisted mostly of women, reflecting the disease prevalence but potentially limiting broader application. Only willing participants were included, which may bias results toward those already interested in technology or exercise. The device was tested in a lab setting, not at home, so real-world usability and adherence are unknown.
Declared interests
Dr. Khanna is a consultant to multiple pharmaceutical companies and has stock options in Eicos Sciences, Inc. Dr. Kruger is a founder and has equity interest in Arbor Medical Innovations and Cor-Dx Systems. Other authors have no conflicts.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the high usability scores or positive experiences as evidence that exergaming improves upper extremity function or increases long-term adherence. This was a usability study, not an efficacy trial, and no clinical outcomes were measured.