Perspectives of people with spinal cord injury learning to walk using a powered exoskeleton

Abstract Background Powered exoskeletons for over ground walking were designed to help people with neurological impairments to walk again. Extended training in powered exoskeletons has led to changes in walking and physiological functions. Few studies have considered the perspective of the participa...

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Main Authors: Patricia J. Manns, Caitlin Hurd, Jaynie F. Yang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2019-07-01
Series:Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12984-019-0565-1
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spelling doaj-3ea86485345b45099a4ee9cbf517a9872020-11-25T03:26:24ZengBMCJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation1743-00032019-07-0116111010.1186/s12984-019-0565-1Perspectives of people with spinal cord injury learning to walk using a powered exoskeletonPatricia J. Manns0Caitlin Hurd1Jaynie F. Yang2Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of AlbertaDepartment of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of AlbertaDepartment of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of AlbertaAbstract Background Powered exoskeletons for over ground walking were designed to help people with neurological impairments to walk again. Extended training in powered exoskeletons has led to changes in walking and physiological functions. Few studies have considered the perspective of the participants. The users’ perspective is vital for adoption of assistive devices. We explored the expectations and experiences of persons with spinal cord injury, training with the ReWalk exoskeleton. Methods A qualitative research design with individual interviews was used. Eleven participants with spinal cord injury, taking part in 12 weeks of 4 times weekly training using the ReWalk, were interviewed before, immediately after, and 2 months after training. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A six stage approach to thematic analysis was used. Results The theme consistently expressed was the exoskeleton allowed participants to do everyday activities, like everyone else, such as looking people in the eye or walking outside. Their experiences were captured in three categories: 1) learning, a description of both expectations for learning and perspectives on how learning occurred; 2) changing, perspectives on perceived changes with training; and 3) contributing, which captured participant perspectives on contributing to research, including the giving of direct feedback regarding the exoskeleton (i.e., what worked and what could be changed). Conclusions Incorporating the view of the user in the design and refinement of exoskeletons will help ensure that the devices are appropriate for future users. Availability and support for the use of exoskeleton devices in community settings is an interim step to home use as the devices continue to improve. Trial registration www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02322125). Registered Dec 22, 2014 – Retrospectively registered after the first 4 participants had enrolled in the study.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12984-019-0565-1ReWalkQualitative
collection DOAJ
language English
format Article
sources DOAJ
author Patricia J. Manns
Caitlin Hurd
Jaynie F. Yang
spellingShingle Patricia J. Manns
Caitlin Hurd
Jaynie F. Yang
Perspectives of people with spinal cord injury learning to walk using a powered exoskeleton
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
ReWalk
Qualitative
author_facet Patricia J. Manns
Caitlin Hurd
Jaynie F. Yang
author_sort Patricia J. Manns
title Perspectives of people with spinal cord injury learning to walk using a powered exoskeleton
title_short Perspectives of people with spinal cord injury learning to walk using a powered exoskeleton
title_full Perspectives of people with spinal cord injury learning to walk using a powered exoskeleton
title_fullStr Perspectives of people with spinal cord injury learning to walk using a powered exoskeleton
title_full_unstemmed Perspectives of people with spinal cord injury learning to walk using a powered exoskeleton
title_sort perspectives of people with spinal cord injury learning to walk using a powered exoskeleton
publisher BMC
series Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
issn 1743-0003
publishDate 2019-07-01
description Abstract Background Powered exoskeletons for over ground walking were designed to help people with neurological impairments to walk again. Extended training in powered exoskeletons has led to changes in walking and physiological functions. Few studies have considered the perspective of the participants. The users’ perspective is vital for adoption of assistive devices. We explored the expectations and experiences of persons with spinal cord injury, training with the ReWalk exoskeleton. Methods A qualitative research design with individual interviews was used. Eleven participants with spinal cord injury, taking part in 12 weeks of 4 times weekly training using the ReWalk, were interviewed before, immediately after, and 2 months after training. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A six stage approach to thematic analysis was used. Results The theme consistently expressed was the exoskeleton allowed participants to do everyday activities, like everyone else, such as looking people in the eye or walking outside. Their experiences were captured in three categories: 1) learning, a description of both expectations for learning and perspectives on how learning occurred; 2) changing, perspectives on perceived changes with training; and 3) contributing, which captured participant perspectives on contributing to research, including the giving of direct feedback regarding the exoskeleton (i.e., what worked and what could be changed). Conclusions Incorporating the view of the user in the design and refinement of exoskeletons will help ensure that the devices are appropriate for future users. Availability and support for the use of exoskeleton devices in community settings is an interim step to home use as the devices continue to improve. Trial registration www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02322125). Registered Dec 22, 2014 – Retrospectively registered after the first 4 participants had enrolled in the study.
topic ReWalk
Qualitative
url http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12984-019-0565-1
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