Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hyeon Seong Kim, Jae Hyeon Park, Ho Seok Lee, Jae Young Lee, Ji Won Jung, Si Bog Park, Dong Jin Hyun, Sangin Park, JuYoung Yoon, Hyunseop Lim, Yun Young Choi, Mi Jung Kim
Summary: The study demonstrated that the newly developed wearable exoskeleton, H-MEX, is safe and feasible for non-ambulatory SCI patients, and may have potential to improve quality of life by assisting bipedal ambulation. These results suggest that the H-MEX can be considered a beneficial device for chronic non-ambulatory SCI patients.
JOURNAL OF KOREAN MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Christopher C. H. Yip, Chor-Yin Lam, Kenneth M. C. Cheung, Yat Wa Wong, Paul A. Koljonen
Summary: In addition to helping individuals with SCI regain ambulation, robotic exoskeletons offer biophysical benefits that can reduce complications from immobilization. These benefits include improved upper body fitness, circulatory response, bowel movement regularity, and reduced pain and spasticity. Exoskeleton use has also been suggested to improve quality of life and increase participation in day-to-day activities. However, there is a lack of large-scale and conclusive studies on the effects of exoskeleton use.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Paul Aarne Koljonen, Anna Sternin Virk, Yoon Jeong, Michael McKinley, Juan Latorre, Amaya Caballero, Yong Hu, Yat Wa Wong, Kenneth Cheung, Homayoon Kazerooni
Summary: The study examined the safety and efficacy of ambulation utilizing a semi-passive and lightweight powered exoskeleton for SCI patients. Results showed that participants reported high levels of comfort and confidence while using the device, especially those with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Yury Ivanenko, Elena Y. Shapkova, Daria A. Petrova, Daria F. Kleeva, Mikhail A. Lebedev
Summary: Neuromodulation through spinal cord electrical stimulation (SCES) is effective in restoring function, but its effectiveness can be enhanced by combining it with exoskeleton gait training (EGT) that promotes activity-dependent plasticity. Assessing individual characteristics of spinal cord function is important for developing personalized SCES and EGT therapies. Combining SCES and EGT can have a synergistic rehabilitative effect on restoring multiple functions in paralyzed individuals.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antonio Rodriguez-Fernandez, Joan Lobo-Prat, Rafael Tarrago, Diego Chaverri, Xavier Iglesias, Lluis Guirao-Cano, Josep M. Font-Llagunes
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of a knee-powered lower limb exoskeleton against conventional knee-ankle-foot orthoses in individuals with spinal cord injury. The knee-powered exoskeleton showed improvement in gait kinematics but did not significantly enhance walking performance or reduce energy consumption in comparison to passive orthoses.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Rosanne B. van Dijsseldonk, Johanna E. Vriezekolk, Noel L. W. Keijsers, Alexander C. H. Geurts, Ilse J. W. van Nes
Summary: This study conducted face-to-face interviews with SCI patients who have experience with exoskeleton use to understand their perspectives on the purpose of use and provide suggestions for improvement. Participants identified three future purposes of exoskeleton use: daily activities, exercise, and social interaction. The future exoskeleton should be easy to use, lightweight, safe, comfortable, and affordable. The study suggests that multiple adjustments are necessary to fully utilize the potential of exoskeletons.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Damien Duddy, Ronan Doherty, James Connolly, Stephen McNally, Johnny Loughrey, Maria Faulkner
Summary: Powered exoskeleton training can increase energy expenditure and improve gait function, more effectively than wheelchair propulsion. The training involves moderate-intensity exercise for patients, potentially leading to increased energy expenditure and more effective improvement in cardiovascular function compared to wheelchair propulsion.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tristan Vouga, Jemina Fasola, Romain Baud, Ali Reza Manzoori, Julien Pache, Mohamed Bouri
Summary: This article presents the latest design and testing results of a competing device in the CYBATHLON competition. The device showed significant performance improvement through training and technology enhancements, highlighting its importance in improving the lives of individuals with paraplegia.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Rosanne B. van Dijsseldonk, Hennie Rijken, Ilse J. W. van Nes, Henk van de Meent, Noel L. W. Keijsers
Summary: Learning to use an exoskeleton is time-consuming and varies between users. Factors such as age, BMI, and active lifestyle play important roles in predicting exoskeleton skill performance during training and at the end of the training period.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Nicola Postol, Neil J. Spratt, Andrew Bivard, Jodie Marquez
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of therapy with a free-standing exoskeleton for individuals with SCI and found potential health benefits for a small subset of patients. Participants showed positive trends in function and other outcomes, and the intervention was highly acceptable to all. Further research is needed to determine the characteristics of patients most likely to benefit from this intervention.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Angel Gil-Agudo, Alvaro Megia-Garcia, Jose Luis Pons, Isabel Sinovas-Alonso, Natalia Comino-Suarez, Vicente Lozano-Berrio, Antonio J. del-Ama
Summary: This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of using the HANK exoskeleton for walking rehabilitation, and investigate its effects on walking function. The results showed that the use of HANK exoskeleton in clinical settings is safe and well-tolerated by the patients. Patients receiving treatment with the exoskeleton improved their walking independence as measured by the WISCI-II.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ping Chen, Chao Xu, Ping Wu, Kun Liu, Feixiang Chen, Yun Chen, Honglian Dai, Zhiqiang Luo
Summary: The study developed a high-performance 3D piezoelectric scaffold with ultrasound-driven wireless electrical stimulation for repairing spinal cord injuries in rats. This scaffold can accelerate motor function recovery and enhance spinal cord injury repair.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Loreto Garcia-Alen, Hatice Kumru, Yolanda Castillo-Escario, Jesus Benito-Penalva, Josep Medina-Casanovas, Yury P. P. Gerasimenko, Victor Reggie Edgerton, Guillermo Garcia-Alias, Joan Vidal
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cervical transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) combined with an exoskeleton on motor strength and functionality of the upper extremities in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI). The results showed that this combined treatment significantly improved the motor strength and functionality of the upper extremities compared to using an exoskeleton alone.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jae Hyeon Park, Hyeon Seong Kim, Seong Ho Jang, Dong Jin Hyun, Sang In Park, JuYoung Yoon, Hyunseop Lim, Mi Jung Kim
Summary: The study investigated the cardiorespiratory responses to 10 weeks of exoskeleton-assisted walking training in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The findings showed that the exercise intensity remained moderate according to METs, while the average %HRR significantly decreased after training. Additionally, walking efficiency progressively improved after the 10-week training period.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jose M. Catalan, Emilio Trigili, Marius Nann, Andrea Blanco-Ivorra, Clemente Lauretti, Francesca Cordella, Eugenio Ivorra, Elaine Armstrong, Simona Crea, Mariano Alcaniz, Loredana Zollo, Surjo R. Soekadar, Nicola Vitiello, Nicolas Garcia-Aracil
Summary: This study compared the performance of an hybrid EEG/EOG interface controlling an exoskeleton and an external manipulator for performing daily activities. The results suggest that the exoskeleton performs better than the external manipulator.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
W. Ben Mortenson, Alex Pysklywec, Leena Chau, Michael Prescott, Andrea Townson
Summary: This study explored the implementation of an exoskeleton device in a rehabilitation center and found that therapists faced challenges in learning to use the device, incorporating it into their daily work, and dealing with uncertainties in using this emerging technology.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Mahsa Khalili, Chelsea Jonathan, Nicole Hocking, Machiel Van der Loos, W. Ben Mortenson, Jaimie Borisoff
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the perceived autonomy of people using wheeled mobility assistive devices (WMADs) in different community-based environments. The findings revealed that WMAD users reported the greatest restriction to their autonomy in outdoor environments. Different factors were found to impact autonomy in different environments. Understanding these context-specific factors can inform the development of strategies to overcome limitations and challenges.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gurkaran Singh, Bonita Sawatzky, Laura Nimmon, W. Ben Mortenson
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate eHealth and general health literacy levels among individuals with SCI and identify relationships between eHealth literacy, general health literacy, and various sociodemographic factors. The results showed that the participants had moderate levels of eHealth literacy and general health literacy, with a positive correlation between the two. General health literacy was positively correlated with sociodemographic factors such as income and education, and negatively correlated with time since injury.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Mariam Manna, W. Ben Mortenson, Bahareh Kardeh, Sam Douglas, Chris Marks, Emily M. Krauss, Michael J. Berger
Summary: This study explores the perspectives of patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) on nerve transfer surgery and finds that most patients have limited understanding of this procedure. An educational intervention can improve patients' knowledge levels and help them make informed decisions.
Article
Rehabilitation
R. Lee Kirby, Cher Smith, W. Ben Mortenson, Alfiya Battalova, Laura Hurd, Sandra Hobson, Sharon Jang, Richelle Emery
Summary: This study aims to explore the experiences of new motorised mobility scooter users in terms of the assessment and training of scooter skills. Through the analysis of user interviews, two themes were identified, one regarding potential new content and the other related to enhancements of existing content. The findings provide valuable insights and recommendations for the assessment and training of scooter skills.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Lisa A. Simpson, Kathryn S. Hayward, Lara A. Boyd, Beverley C. Larssen, W. Ben Mortenson, Amy Schneeberg, Noah D. Silverberg, Janice J. Eng
Summary: This study aimed to examine the trajectory of REACH scores over the first-year post-stroke and determine if baseline impairment levels modify the scores. The study found that REACH scores improved over time, with more significant improvements in individuals with severe impairment. However, individuals with mild/moderate impairment plateaued and even showed a decrease in the early chronic phase.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Murveena Jeawon, Bethany Hase, Susanna Miller, Janice J. Eng, Andrea Bundon, Habib Chaudhury, Jocelyn Maffin, Ryan Clarkson, Jenna Wright, W. Ben Mortenson
Summary: This study aims to identify the experiences, needs, and strengths of people with incomplete spinal cord injury who can ambulate, and to explore potential supports and services that would best assist them in the community. The data was collected through interviews and descriptive standardized measures. The findings suggest that service providers should improve the inclusion of ambulatory individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury in their programs and consider their perspectives when designing environments and programs.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Elham Esfandiari, William C. Miller, Sheena King, W. Ben Mortenson, Maureen C. Ashe
Summary: This study developed an online self-management program called SMART for individuals with recent lower limb loss. Using the Intervention Mapping Framework, stakeholders were involved in a six-step study to assess needs, translate content, create a prototype, test usability, plan for adoption and implementation, and assess feasibility. SMART is a six-week program with weekly contact from a peer mentor aimed at improving health outcomes.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chieh-ling Yang, Rochelle Chui, W. Ben Mortenson, Peyman Servati, Amir Servati, Arvin Tashakori, Janice J. Eng
Summary: This study investigated the perspectives of clinicians, people living with stroke, and their caregivers on an interactive wearable system that detects upper extremity movements and provides feedback. The study findings revealed that the wearable system should be personalized, capable of monitoring compensatory trunk movements in addition to arm and hand movements, and able to measure both the quantity and quality of the affected limb movements. It was also highlighted that the system should prioritize functional activities in its design.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Gordon Tao, Gurkaran Singh, Ethan Simpson, Alfiya Battalova, Isabelle Rash, Somayyeh Mohammadi, Julia Schmidt, Jaimie Borisoff, Ben Mortenson, William C. Miller
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of physical activity participation among adults with disabilities. The analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 participants and self-reported surveys from 61 participants revealed that pandemic restrictions influenced the way individuals participated in physical activity, their motivation barriers, and the importance of social support. Mental health played a significant role in the interplay between the dimensions of quality of physical activity participation.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY-REVUE CANADIENNE D ERGOTHERAPIE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pauline P. W. Koh, W. Ben Mortenson
Summary: This study evaluated outcomes and perceptions of participating in a pilot spinal cord injury (SCI) specific community-based self-management program. The program, delivered by healthcare professionals with involvement of peer mentors, covered six self-selected topics using a multi-modal teaching approach. The results showed positive changes in self-efficacy and overall satisfaction with the program.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Sharon Jang, R. Lee Kirby, Laura Hurd, Sandra Hobson, Richelle Emery, W. Ben Mortenson
Summary: The purpose of this study was to compare the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) in simulated and community settings, and to explore participants' perceptions in each environment. The results showed higher test scores in the community setting, and participants preferred testing in their communities and perceived the simulated environment to be reflective of their community settings.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Jacquie Ripat, Ed Giesbrecht, Jaimie Borisoff, Kathryn M. Sibley, Alexie Touchette, Rambel Palsis, Ernesto Morales, Karen Ethans, Yue Li
Summary: This paper describes the development of an mHealth application that provides information, resources, and strategies to improve winter mobility for mobility device users. The study included a scoping review, online focus groups, and a rapid prototyping process. The application has the potential to fill gaps in winter mobility strategies and resources and improve winter participation among mobility device users.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
W. Ben Mortenson, Alfiya Battalova, Laura Hurd, Sandra Hobson, Richelle Emery, R. Lee Kirby
Summary: The study describes the subjective reported scooter-skill scores of new mobility scooter users and identifies significant correlations with other characteristics and measures. The findings reveal that novice scooter users have high perceived capacity but low performance scores, highlighting the need for additional skills training.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Emma M. Smith, William C. Miller, Ian Mitchell, W. Ben Mortenson, Alex Mihailidis
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an error-minimized approach to powered wheelchair skills training using shared control in residential care. The results showed that individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment could learn the skills required to drive a powered wheelchair in as few as six training sessions.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
