A Study of Opinion and Satisfaction of Physical Therapists About the Prototype Exercise Machine for Lower Limb Strengthening in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Authors

  • Ratchadaporn Borkam Human Movement Sciences program, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • Wanida Donpunha School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • Raoyrin Chanavirut School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • Rattakarn Yensano Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • Nantiwat Pholdee Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • Natthayarat Thawalai School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • Palin Changtrakul School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • Sitanan Sakunsontipron School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59796/jcst.V16N2.2026.171

Keywords:

satisfaction, children, exercise machine, lower limb strength

Abstract

Children with spastic cerebral palsy commonly exhibit muscle spasticity, generalized weakness, and postural instability, with deficits in lower extremity strength markedly impairing their ability to perform functional activities such as standing and walking. In response to this clinical challenge, a prototype exercise machine was developed to enhance lower limb strength. However, the opinions and satisfaction of physical therapists regarding this machine constitute an important aspect that has not yet been systematically evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate their perspectives and satisfaction with the prototype. Thirty physical therapists were purposively recruited based on their clinical experience in pediatric physical therapy. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, with an Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) greater than 0.50 and a mean IOC of 0.98. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to examine participant demographics and satisfaction levels across various aspects. The mean satisfaction scores were as follows: design and structure (4.35 ± 0.63), safety (4.47 ± 0.57), usability (4.07 ± 0.79), and usefulness (4.27 ± 0.74). In conclusion, the equipment received high satisfaction ratings in all aspects. Further development is recommended in accordance with industry or medical device standards, along with additional studies involving a broader sample that includes both typically developing children and those with cerebral palsy.

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Published

2026-03-30

How to Cite

Borkam, R., Donpunha, W., Chanavirut, R., Yensano, R., Pholdee, N., Thawalai, N., Changtrakul, P., & Sakunsontipron, S. (2026). A Study of Opinion and Satisfaction of Physical Therapists About the Prototype Exercise Machine for Lower Limb Strengthening in Children with Cerebral Palsy. Journal of Current Science and Technology, 16(2), 171. https://doi.org/10.59796/jcst.V16N2.2026.171

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2026): April-June

Section

Research Article

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