Users with spinal cord injury experience of robotic Locomotor exoskeletons: a qualitative study of the benefits, limitations, and recommendations.
Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins, Chaithanya K Mummidisetty, Linda Ehrlich-Jones and 8 others
PMID 32917287WHAT IT FOUND
People with spinal cord injury valued exoskeletons for therapy and the psychological boost of standing at eye level.
However, they found the devices too costly, bulky, and dependent on a companion for independent home or community use. They prioritized lighter, faster designs with fall protection.
Key findings
01Participants described the ability to stand and interact at eye level as a major psychological and social benefit, distinct from physical mobility gains.
02The requirement for a trained companion to assist with donning, doffing, and safety was identified as the biggest limitation preventing independent use.
03Users reported mixed physiological outcomes, with some noting improvements in bowel, bladder, and pain, while others saw no change in these areas.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample was small (28 participants) and drawn from specific centers, which may not represent the broader population of people with spinal cord injury. Most participants gained experience with the devices in research settings, which may have influenced their perceptions compared to typical clinical or home use. The study did not measure the exact amount of time spent in the device, which could affect physiological outcomes. Recruitment of veterans was limited, so some data came from individual interviews rather than focus groups. The interview guide emphasized benefits, which may have biased the reporting toward positive experiences over negative ones.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the reported benefits in bowel, bladder, and pain as consistent clinical outcomes. The study found these effects were mixed, with some participants seeing no improvement, and the primary value identified was psychological and therapeutic rather than functional mobility.