Exoskeleton use in acute rehabilitation post spinal cord injury: A qualitative study exploring patients’ experiences

This study explores how patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) experience using robotic exoskeletons during their early rehabilitation. The goal was to understand the good and bad aspects of this new technology. Researchers interviewed nine patients who used exoskeletons as part of their rehabilitation. The interviews focused on their feelings, challenges, and perceived benefits of using the exoskeleton. The study found that exoskeletons can offer psychological benefits like improved mood and hope, along with potential physical benefits such as increased strength. However, challenges like fatigue and concerns about incontinence were also reported.

• 1
  Participants experienced psychological benefits such as improved mood, increased hope, and the joy of eye-level contact while using the exoskeleton.
• 2
  Some participants reported potential physiological benefits, including increased strength, decreased spasticity, and reduced pain.
• 3
  Challenges to exoskeleton use included weakness and fatigue, blood pressure changes, transfer difficulties and a fear of incontinence.