Over-ground robotic lower limb exoskeleton in neurological gait rehabilitation : User experiences and effects on walking ability
Jyräkoski, Taina; Merilampi, Sari; Puustinen, Juha; Kärki, Anne (2021)
Jyräkoski, Taina
Merilampi, Sari
Puustinen, Juha
Kärki, Anne
IOS Press
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe202103046501
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe202103046501
Tiivistelmä
BACKGROUND: Over-ground robotic lower limb exoskeletons are safe and feasible in rehabilitation with individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke. Information about effects on stroke rehabilitees is scarce and descriptions of learning process and user experience is lacking.
OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe how rehabilitees learn exoskeleton use, to study effects of exoskeleton assisted walking (EAW) training, and to study rehabilitees’ user experiences.
METHODS: One-group pre-test post-test pre-experimental study involved five rehabilitees with stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants in chronic phase underwent twice a week an 8-week training intervention with Indego exoskeleton. Process of learning to walk and the level of assistance were documented. Outcome measurements were conducted with 6-minute and 10-meter walk tests (6MWT, 10mWT). User experience was assessed with a satisfaction questionnaire.
RESULTS: Rehabilitees learnt to walk using the exoskeleton with the assistance from 2-3 therapists within two sessions and progressed individually. Three participants improved their results in 10mWT, four in 6MWT. The rehabilitees felt comfortable and safe when using and exercising with the device.
CONCLUSION: Indego exoskeleton may be beneficial to gait rehabilitation with chronic stroke or TBI rehabilitees. The rehabilitees were satisfied with the exoskeleton as a rehabilitation device.
Keywords: Exoskeleton, neurological rehabilitation, gait, robotics, stroke, traumatic brain injury
OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe how rehabilitees learn exoskeleton use, to study effects of exoskeleton assisted walking (EAW) training, and to study rehabilitees’ user experiences.
METHODS: One-group pre-test post-test pre-experimental study involved five rehabilitees with stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants in chronic phase underwent twice a week an 8-week training intervention with Indego exoskeleton. Process of learning to walk and the level of assistance were documented. Outcome measurements were conducted with 6-minute and 10-meter walk tests (6MWT, 10mWT). User experience was assessed with a satisfaction questionnaire.
RESULTS: Rehabilitees learnt to walk using the exoskeleton with the assistance from 2-3 therapists within two sessions and progressed individually. Three participants improved their results in 10mWT, four in 6MWT. The rehabilitees felt comfortable and safe when using and exercising with the device.
CONCLUSION: Indego exoskeleton may be beneficial to gait rehabilitation with chronic stroke or TBI rehabilitees. The rehabilitees were satisfied with the exoskeleton as a rehabilitation device.
Keywords: Exoskeleton, neurological rehabilitation, gait, robotics, stroke, traumatic brain injury