A framework for clinical utilization of robotic exoskeletons in rehabilitation.
Kristen Hohl, Matt Giffhorn, Steven Jackson, Arun Jayaraman
PMID 36309686WHAT IT FOUND
This paper offers a decision-making framework for choosing and using robotic exoskeletons in gait training.
It summarizes existing device features and trial data but reports no new patient outcomes. There is no evidence here that these devices improve walking.
What this paper is
This paper proposes a four-step framework for clinicians to consider when integrating robotic exoskeletons into gait rehabilitation. It reviews FDA-approved device features and summarizes existing trial data to guide patient selection and device matching, but reports no original patient outcomes or efficacy results. There are no findings here to change clinical practice based on new evidence.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the summarized trial data or the authors' clinical experience as evidence that exoskeletons improve walking outcomes. This is a guide on how to think about using them, not a study proving they work.