Introduction This study investigated the needs of stroke survivors and therapists, and how they may contrast, for the design of robots for at-home post stroke rehabilitation therapy, in the Ontario, Canada, context. Methods Individual interviews were conducted with stroke survivors ( n = 10) and therapists ( n = 6). The transcripts were coded using thematic analysis inspired by the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Results Design recommendations, potential features, and barriers were identified from the interviews. Stroke survivors and therapists agreed on many of the needs for at-home robotic rehabilitation; however, stroke survivors had more insights into their home environment, barriers, and needs relating to technology, while therapists had more insights into therapy methodology and patient safety and interaction. Both groups felt a one-size-fits-all approach to rehabilitation robot design is inappropriate. Designs could address a broader range of impairments by incorporating household items and breaking activities down into their component motions. Designs should incorporate hand and wrist supports and activities. Designs should monitor trunk and shoulder motion and consider incorporating group activities. Conclusion While therapists can provide insight in the early stages of design of rehabilitation technology, stroke survivors’ perspectives are crucial to designing for the home environment.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.