Exoskeleton home and community use in people with complete spinal cord injury

Abstract

A consequence of a complete spinal cord injury (SCI) is the loss of gait capacity. Wearable exoskeletons for the lower extremity enable household and community ambulation in people with SCI. This study assessed the amount, purpose, and location of exoskeleton use in the home and community environment, without any restrictions. The number of steps taken was read from the exoskeleton software. Participants kept a daily logbook, and completed two user experience questionnaires (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (D-QUEST) and System Usability Scale (SUS)). Fourteen people with a complete SCI used the ReWalk exoskeleton a median of 9 (range [1–15]) out of 16 ([12–21]) days, in which participants took a median of 3,226 ([330–28,882]) steps. The exoskeleton was mostly used for exercise purposes (74%) and social interaction (20%). The main location of use was outdoors (48%). Overall, participants were satisfied with the exoskeleton (D-QUEST 3.7 ± 0.4) and its usability (SUS 72.5 [52.5–95.0]). Participants with complete SCI report satisfaction with the exoskeleton for exercise and social interaction in the home and community, but report limitations as an assistive device during daily life.

Needs and Wishes for the Future Exoskeleton: an Interview Study Among People With Spinal Cord Injury With Community-based Exoskeleton Experience

“…To our knowledge, two studies investigated community exoskeleton use, namely in a community-based gym [10] or in and around home. [11] In both studies, the exoskeleton was mainly used for exercise purposes. [10,11] Participants also emphasized the usefulness of an exoskeleton for social interaction.…”

“…[11] In both studies, the exoskeleton was mainly used for exercise purposes. [10,11] Participants also emphasized the usefulness of an exoskeleton for social interaction. [10,11] The exoskeleton was rarely used to facilitate functional mobility during daily activities.…”

“…[10,11] Participants also emphasized the usefulness of an exoskeleton for social interaction. [10,11] The exoskeleton was rarely used to facilitate functional mobility during daily activities. [11] Study participants reported physical and psychosocial bene ts after using the exoskeleton for approximately ten weeks [11] or one year [10].…”

“…[10,11] The exoskeleton was rarely used to facilitate functional mobility during daily activities. [11] Study participants reported physical and psychosocial bene ts after using the exoskeleton for approximately ten weeks [11] or one year [10]. They experienced less spasticity, less pain, better wound healing, improved bowel function, and improved mental wellbeing and increased energy to (socially) interact at eye-level.…”

“…They experienced less spasticity, less pain, better wound healing, improved bowel function, and improved mental wellbeing and increased energy to (socially) interact at eye-level. [10,11] Although there seem to be physical and psychosocial bene ts for exoskeleton users, it is unclear which barriers exoskeleton users experience in the home and community setting.…”