Patient, carer, and staff perceptions of robotics in motor rehabilitation: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis.

This is a synthesis of experiences and perceptions, not a test of whether robotic devices improve motor outcomes. Only peer-reviewed English studies were included, so perspectives from non-English studies may be missing. The 30 studies varied in devices, conditions, ages, settings and participant groups, so the themes may not fit every clinic or patient. Low-quality studies were not excluded, and only 8 studies reported information about the researcher's role, potential bias and influence. Some included studies performed poorly on CASP questions because they did not report enough relevant information. Two studies did not report therapist numbers, so the participant count is approximate. The review could not analyse how UTAUT2 variables related to individual differences such as age, sex or experience.

Do not read this as proof that robotic devices improve walking, arm function or daily activities. It summarises what patients, carers and staff perceived, and some participants reported no clear functional link or no improvement.