Developing a Novel Augmented Reality–Based Sports Therapy System (STAR): A User-Centered Design Study Focusing on Usability and User Acceptance

Augmented reality (AR)-based systems offer novel opportunities for digital support in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. This is especially relevant in the context of an aging population and the growing shortage of healthcare professionals. This study employed a user-centered design with iterative prototype refinement and investigated the perceived usability and user acceptance of a prototype AR-based exercise therapy system (“STAR”) from the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals across one iteration cycle. Participants interacted with the system at two time points (T1, T2) using an AR headset. Usability was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS), user acceptance via the Technology Usage Inventory (TUI). A total of 15 participants (10 patients, 5 therapists) completed both testing sessions. The average SUS score improved from 54.5 (SD = 17.2) to 71.2 (SD = 16.1), reflecting a small but statistically significant increase in perceived usability (p < .001). The usability rating improved from “ok” to “good” according to the established SUS interpretation scale. On average there were improvements in scores for all scales of the TUI questionnaire. The findings suggest that a user-centered development process can substantially enhance the perceived usability of AR systems, particularly among target populations with limited prior exposure to digital technologies.