Table 1 The incorporation of theory-driven ingredients within the SMART system

Theory Topic 1: The theoretical approach to post-stroke rehabilitation incorporated within the SMART system.

Underpinning Theories: Neuroplasticity; Motor-learning

Independent practice

Used in the absence of a therapist.

Intensity

Increased rehabilitation activity.

Problem solving

Self-monitoring, self-interpretation, overcoming problems encountered in the absence of a therapist.

Goal setting

Choosing which exercises to perform.

Specificity

Matched movement patterns.

Repetition

Increased rehabilitation activity.

Salience

Relevant (meaningful) feedback.

Motor learning

The SMART system provides an opportunity to learn implicitly and explicitly through trial and error and explicit feedback.

Theory Topic 2: Feedback in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation.

Underpinning Theories: Motivation; Operant Conditioning; Motor-learning

Feedback content

The SMART system provides KP, KR, verbal and visual feedback. It also provides prescriptive feedback (in part).

Feedback schedule

The SMART system provides feedback concurrently, terminally, after each performance and in summary.

Rewards

The SMART system provides the user with the rewards of good performance through a red, amber, green chart and through scores (depending on exercise).

Theoretical Outcome: Behaviour change and Self-management.

Underpinning Theories: Self-regulation, Social cognition, and goal-setting theories; Self-efficacy.

Goal-setting

The user is able to set specific, measurable, realistic, and time specified goals (targets) to achieve that are confirmed by the computer feedback.

Action planning

The user can choose when to use the system and how many sets/repetitions they do.

Self-monitoring

The user is able to monitor performance(s) independently.

Reinforcement

The SMART system provides the user with positive feedback (depending on performance). Others are able to observe results.

Self-management

The SMART system provides the user with an opportunity to problem-solve, make decisions, utilise resources, collaborate with others, and take action depending on their interpretation of the feedback provided.

Self-efficacy

The SMART system provides the user with an opportunity to evaluate achievement(s), observe demonstrations (the avatar), interpret performance(s) and changes in physical and emotional feelings as a result of usage, and receive feedback which may include verbal persuasion from significant others.