Design recommendations for exoskeletons: Perspectives of individuals with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2023 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1926177 · Published: January 1, 2021

Simple Explanation

This study explores what people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) expect from exoskeletons. The goal was to understand their needs and desires for these devices, which could help improve their design and usefulness. Researchers surveyed members of the Dutch Patient Association for SCI, asking about their thoughts on exoskeletons, what they hoped the devices could do, and how easy they would be to use. The survey results highlighted that while individuals with SCI generally view exoskeletons positively, they also identified key areas where these devices need improvement, such as user-friendliness and the ability to use them without crutches.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

95 individuals with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
A significant majority (74.7%) of individuals with SCI considered exoskeletons a positive and desirable innovation.
2
Many participants (76.8%) anticipated difficulty in putting on the exoskeleton, and a similar percentage (75.8%) expected substantial training would be required to ambulate effectively.
3
A considerable portion of respondents (25.3%) believed that exoskeletons could potentially replace wheelchairs in the future.

Research Summary

The study investigated the expectations of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) regarding exoskeletons through an online survey distributed via the Dutch Patient Association for SCI. Results from the survey, completed by 95 individuals with SCI, indicated that exoskeletons were generally viewed as a positive and desirable innovation, although participants highlighted several key areas for improvement. The study concludes that while individuals with SCI see potential in exoskeletons, significant improvements in user-friendliness, ambulation speed, and independence are needed to meet user expectations and enhance the overall functionality and usability of these devices.

Practical Implications

User-Centered Design

Involve individuals with SCI in the design and development process of exoskeletons to ensure that the devices meet their specific needs and expectations.

Improve Device Usability

Focus on enhancing the user-friendliness of exoskeletons, including making them easier to put on and take off, reducing their weight, and improving ambulation speed.

Enhance Independence

Develop exoskeletons that allow users to ambulate without the need for crutches and are suitable for individuals with higher-level SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of data regarding the level and severity of injury among participants.
2
Potential selection bias, as participants were recruited through a patient association and may have a pre-existing interest in technical innovations.
3
The online survey format may have excluded individuals who are technophobic or illiterate.

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