Users with spinal cord injury experience of robotic Locomotor exoskeletons: a qualitative study of the benefits, limitations, and recommendations

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins, Northwestern University; Chaithanya K. Mummidisetty, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; Linda Ehrlich-Jones, Northwestern University; Deborah Crown, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; Rachel A. Bond, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; Marc H. Applebaum, Northwestern University; Arun Jayaraman, Northwestern University; Catherine Furbish, Shepherd Center; Gail Forrest, Kessler Foundation; Edelle Field-Fote, Emory University; Allen W. Heinemann, Northwestern University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-09-11
• Publisher: BMC
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s) 2020
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12984-020-00752-9
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 124
• End Page: 124
• Grant/Funding Information: The U.S. Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Rehabilitation Program funded “Evaluating the Utilization and Efficiency of Wearable Exoskeletons for SCI Rehabilitation” (W81XWH-17-1-0157).
• Keywords: Life Sciences & Biomedicine; WALKING; Outcome; POWERED EXOSKELETON; Engineering; Neurosciences & Neurology; Science & Technology; Neurosciences; ADULTS; COMPLICATIONS; Focus groups; locomotor training; Engineering, Biomedical; PAIN; rehabilitation; Rehabilitation; LIFE; Assistive technology; Technology
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Rehabilitation and Therapy; Biology, Neuroscience; Engineering, Biomedical

Abstract

Background: Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) may experience both psychological and physiological benefits from robotic locomotor exoskeleton use, and knowledgeable users may have valuable perspectives to inform future development. The objective of this study is to gain insight into the experiences, perspectives, concerns, and suggestions on the use of robotic locomotor exoskeletons by civilians and veterans living with SCI. Methods: Participants reported their demographic characteristics and the extent of robotic exoskeleton use in an online survey. Then, 28 experienced robotic locomotor exoskeleton users participated in focus groups held at three regional hospitals that specialize in rehabilitation for persons with SCI. We used a qualitative description approach analysis to analyze the data, and included thematic analysis. Results: Participants expressed that robotic exoskeletons were useful in therapy settings but, in their current form, were not practical for activities of daily living due to device limitations. Participants detailed the psychological benefits of being eye-level with their non-disabled peers and family members, and some reported physiologic improvements in areas such as bowel and bladder function. Participants detailed barriers of increased fatigue, spasticity, and spasms and expressed dissatisfaction with the devices due to an inability to use them independently and safely. Participants provided suggestions to manufacturers for technology improvements. Conclusions: The varied opinions and insights of robotic locomotor exoskeletons users with SCI add to our knowledge of device benefits and limitations.