Usability of a device for lip strength and mobility rehabilitation associated with digital games: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usability of a device for lip strength and mobility rehabilitation, combining exercises with digital games, and to examine the influence of age, muscle tension, and the number of attempts on the performance of adults and children. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study included 11 adults and nine children. Participants used a device consisting of an anatomical-functional prototype for the rehabilitation of the orbicularis oris muscle, which works as a controller for digital games and is activated by the counter-resistance movement performed by the lips. Participants played a game with the device and received a score proportional to their performance. After using the game, adult participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) to assess the device's usability. Participants' scores were compared based on age, lip muscle tension, and the number of attempts. RESULTS: Usability was considered good, with a mean score of 91.1 and a standard deviation of 11 points. There was no difference in scores across different attempts or between the scores of adults under and over 22 years old or children with normal and reduced lip tension. A statistically significant difference was found between adults' and children's scores in the first attempt and the mean of the attempts. CONCLUSION: The device demonstrated good usability, with age (adults vs. children) influencing participant scores.