Feasibility, usability, acceptability and Efficacy of a novel leg strengthening device (S-Press) for strengthening leg muscles and improving physical impairment during hospital admission

Background Deconditioning due to in-patients stays is predictive of delayed discharges and readmissions; preserving muscle mass and strength in order for patients to remain independent should be of utmost priority. Progressive resistance training offers the most cost-effective way of doing this; however, it is not routinely done. Objective To examine the feasibility, usability and acceptability of a novel in-bed strength training device (SPress) by patients and staff members within an in-patient rehabilitation ward in the NHS. Methods Using a mixed methods approach, 6 patients who performed resistance training on the SPress device and, alongside 3 healthcare professionals, were interviewed. Data were thematically analysed to examine individuals perspectives and perceptions on the feasibility, useability and acceptability of the SPress. In addition, measures of sit to stand and muscle ultrasound were conducted before use and before discharge. For indications of safety, heart rate and blood pressure measures were taken during each session. Results Patients found the SPress easy and comfortable to use and enjoyed using it as an adjunct therapy during in-patient stay. Healthcare professionals using the SPress noted that it improved mobility allowing patients to gradually build up muscle strength in a safe and motivating way. All participants improved sit to stand performance with use of the SPress. There were no significant differences observed in heart rate or blood pressure during each session, indicating the safety of SPress use. Conclusion From this proof-of-concept study, use of the SPress to improve muscle strength and physiological function in in-patients is feasible and an acceptable intervention. Further work should focus on use with wider patient demographics and conditions. ### Competing Interest Statement JT is owner of JT Rehab Ltd who are inventors and creators of the S-Press device that has a direct application of this research. No other authors have competing interests to declare. ### Clinical Trial NCT06175728 ### Funding Statement This work was supported by the Versus Arthritis UK under Grant (number 22006) The S-Press device and JT Rehab Ltd have been awarded funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Sheffield Innovation programme, Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre Accelerator Funding (Research England), Academic Health Science Network East Midlands and Versus Arthritis UK, Catapult funding from the European Regional Development Fund and Innovate UK Women in Innovation. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The proof-of-concept study was approved by NHS ethics (health research authority [HRA] REC reference: 20/YH/0115) I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors