Table 3 Summary of suggested measures, functions, and design features (usability, wearability) of prospective wearable monitoring technology

Measures

Functions

• Muscle activation detection

• Video-pairing

• Gait measurements

• Bluetooth connectivity

 - Timing of muscle activation

• Detects bilaterally

 - Compensatory pattern detection

• Integrate data with medical records

 - Heel contact

• Ability to manipulate data

 - Temporospatial features

• Remote programming and data access

 - Kinematic features

• Raw and processed data

 - Toe trajectory

• Comparison to normative data

 - Stride length

• Continuous feedback/readings

• Heart rate monitoring

• Biofeedback

• Weight bearing

 - Audio (multiple pitches)

• Symmetry

 - Lights (colour-coded)

• Differentiate activation vs. tone

 - Vibration

• Differentiate concentric vs. eccentric

 - On handheld device

• Force and loading

 - Numeric feedback

• Step counts

 - Customisable (volume, cues)

Usability

Wearability

• Desired variable selection

• Small size, inconspicuous

• Reproducible set-up

• Lightweight

• Phone interface

• Cosmetically pleasing

• Laptop interface

• Simple disinfection

• Simple/reusable calibration

• Donning/doffing with one arm

• Malfunction alert

• Visual cue at wrist

• Turns on upon application

• Usable with one hand

• Customisable app

• Good battery life