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

Scientific Reports, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-72397-6 · Published: August 7, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how people with complete spinal cord injuries (SCI) use exoskeletons in their homes and communities. The study looked at how much they used the exoskeleton, why they used it, and where they used it. The study found that participants were generally satisfied with using exoskeletons for exercise and social interaction.

Study Duration

2-3 weeks

Participants

14 people with complete SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants primarily used the exoskeleton for individual exercise (74% of sessions) and social interaction (20%).
2
The main location of exoskeleton use was outdoors (48% of sessions).
3
Participants reported satisfaction with the exoskeleton's usability (SUS 72.5 [52.5–95.0]).

Research Summary

This study assessed the amount, purpose, and location of exoskeleton use in the home and community environment in people in the chronic phase of motor complete SCI. The exoskeleton was mostly used for exercise purposes and social interaction. As an assistive device during daily life activities, the exoskeleton has many limitations.

Practical Implications

Exercise and Socialization

Exoskeletons have high potential as an exercise device and for social interaction at eye-level.

Technological Improvements

Technological improvements are needed to reduce the need for a buddy and improve the overall transportability of the device.

Functional Applications

Further exoskeleton development should look at other (more functional) applications that are important to their potential users.

Study Limitations

1
Selection bias is likely, because only people with a complete SCI who were interested in exoskeleton use and who could commit to the exoskeleton training protocol participated.
2
Only participants who achieved a skill level for safe home and community use were included.
3
The results should be interpreted with caution and are not generalizable to the whole SCI population.

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