Stroke survivor perceptions of using an exoskeleton during acute gait rehabilitation

This paper examines user perspectives of an exoskeleton gait device when used in an acute hospital setting after stroke.

Qualitative content analysis identified discussion units centering around positive aspects of how helpful the device was, negative aspects related to set-up time, weight of the device and multiple instructions delivered during use. Quantitative data describes mean ratings for device comfort (7.94 ± 1.4) and how natural walking felt (7.05 ± 1.9) were favourable with a strong relationship identified between higher levels of disability and a more natural perception of gait quality (rho= 0.62; p = 0.138). Overall the study suggests individuals in the early phases of stroke perceive RAGT to be acceptable and helpful in the main, with some associated negative aspects. Walking in the device was rated as co