Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Aug 15, 2025
Date Accepted: Oct 27, 2025
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Smartphone-Based Auditory Motion Stimulation for Hemispatial Neglect: Development and Usability Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Hemispatial neglect after stroke affects ~33% of acute stroke patients and is linked to poor recovery. Auditory motion stimulation, particularly using spatial cues, can enhance spatial awareness and may improve neglect outcomes.
Objective:
To develop and assess “Neglect Radio,” a smartphone-based application delivering auditory motion stimulation, focusing on sound realism and usability.
Methods:
Two auditory motion rendering methods—dynamic stereo volume control and standardised head-related transfer functions (HRTFs)—were implemented in a mobile app streaming public radio content. In an online study, 37 healthy volunteers rated the spatial realism (0–100 scale) of five audio sources in three conditions: static stereo, volume control motion, and HRTF-based motion. Independent samples t-tests compared realism scores. Ten participants tested the app for 15 minutes and completed the System Usability Scale (SUS).
Results:
HRTF-based audio was rated significantly more realistic than volume control (t = 3.722, p < .001), and both motion conditions scored significantly higher than static stereo. The mean SUS score was 86.5, exceeding the 68-point threshold for above-average usability and rated “excellent.”
Conclusions:
Neglect Radio delivers realistic spatial auditory motion and demonstrates excellent usability. This smartphone-based platform is scalable, accessible, and engaging, with the potential to complement hemispatial neglect rehabilitation. Clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and assess long-term use.
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