## 4 Discussion
The synthesis of tactile inputs not only aids in physical rehabilitation but also helps build amore accurate internal model of body mechanics, encouraging adaptive motor strategies essential for successful recovery [23]. The immediate impact observed in the experimental group is particularly notable when contrasted with the control group, which received conventional partial weight-bearing training without biofeedback support. The control group showed no significant improvements in the application of partial load, suggesting that traditional techniques may lack the dynamic feedback necessary to achieve precise weight-bearing. This observation aligns with previous research indicating that biofeedback-based interventions play a pivotal role in maintaining long-term compliance with weight-bearing prescriptions, as the real-time cueing allows patients to adjust their performance continuously throughout rehabilitation [29; 30]. Furthermore, the data indicate that the beneficial effects of the load incentiviser persist over time. Such long-term retention of proper weight-bearing may be attributed to the repetitive, self-correcting nature of the biofeedback mechanism, which reinforces correct loading behaviours. In contrast, other rehabilitation modalities, which rely primarily on verbal instructions or static measures, have not demonstrated comparable sustained improvements. This sustained effect is especially relevant given research emphasising the importance of integrating wearable and real-time biofeedback devices in rehabilitation protocols [7; 31]. An additional strength of the load incentiviser lies in its universal applicability across different age groups. Our study indicates that improvements in load perception were independent of patient age, demonstrating that both younger and older patients can benefit from such biofeedback technologies. This finding is significant since many patients requiring partial weight-bearing protocols are elderly, and previous studies have identified age-related challenges in complying with weight-bearing instructions [30; 32]. The demonstrated efficacy of the incentiviser across age groups supports the potential of biofeedback to serve as an essential adjunct in rehabilitation for a heterogeneous patient population. Beyond the objective measures of load application, the subjective benefits reported by patients further underscore the value of the load incentiviser. Participants consistently reported a heightened awareness of their weight-bearing patterns and an improved ability to transfer these learned strategies from the clinical setting to daily activities. This enhanced self-efficacy will contribute to overall patient confidence and adherence to the rehabilitation plan. In practical terms, using a load incentiviser facilitates safer limb loading, which is crucial for preventing complications in the post-surgical phase. It contributes to a more positive overall rehabilitation experience. It is important to note that while secondary outcomes such as pain reduction and overall walking quantity did not significantly differ between groups, these results indicate that the primary benefits of biofeedback are specific to the modulation of weight distribution rather than general functional activity. In other words, the device is optimised for fine-tuning partial weight-bearing's perceptual and motor control aspects without necessarily altering broader clinical parameters such as pain or activity level. This specificity aligns with the understanding that biofeedback devices primarily act at the neuromuscular and perceptual levels, reinforcing correct load application rather than inducing direct symptomatic relief [33]. Pain intensity (NRS) and walking capacity (6 MWT) improved in both groups, with no statistically or clinically significant between-group difference (NRS \(\Delta=-0.4\), \(p=0.46\); 6 MWT \(\Delta=+25\) m, \(p=0.62\); Cohen's d \(\leq 0.28\)).