USER EXPERIENCES AND BEHAVIOUR IN ORTHOTIC USE: FACTORS OF MOTIVATION AND SATISFACTION
Reda Tučiūtė, Kristina Grumadaitė
St. Ignatius Loyola College, Kaunas, Lithuania
Keywords: orthoses; orthopedic braces; adherence; patient satisfaction; motivation; user experience; service quality
Abstract:
Orthoses are externally applied devices intended to modify or support neuromuscular and skeletal function and are widely used to reduce pain, improve stability, and maintain participation in daily activities. Despite advances in materials, design, and service delivery, real-world adherence to prescribed orthosis wearing regimens often remains suboptimal, limiting therapeutic effectiveness. This narrative review synthesises evidence on user behaviour, motivation, and satisfaction in orthosis use, integrating clinical and consumer-behaviour perspectives. A targeted search of major biomedical databases and key standards documents was conducted, prioritising studies that report adherence, reasons for discontinuation, and validated satisfaction outcomes (e.g., QUEST 2.0; OPUS). The synthesis indicates that adherence is shaped by a dynamic balance between perceived benefits (pain relief, functional gains, avoidance of surgery, prevention of deterioration) and perceived burdens (discomfort, skin irritation, restricted movement, heat, aesthetic concerns, stigma, and disruption to routines). Service quality—especially accurate fitting, education, and follow-up emerges as a modulator of satisfaction and continued use. Evidence also suggests self-reported wearing time may overestimate actual wear, supporting selective use of objective monitoring in high-stakes indications. The review concludes that maximising orthosis effectiveness requires an integrated, user-centred approach that combines biomechanical optimisation with psychosocial support, clear communication, and iterative service delivery.
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