Barriers and facilitators to exoskeleton use in persons with spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

Exoskeleton can assist individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) with simple movements and transform their lives by enhancing strength and mobility. Nonetheless, the current utilization outside of rehabilitation contexts is limited. To promote the widespread adoption of exoskeletons, it is crucial to consider the acceptance of these devices for both rehabilitation and functional purposes. This systematic review aims to identify the barriers or facilitators of the use of lower limbs exoskeletons, thereby providing strategies to improve interventions and increase the adoption of these devices.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and PubMed. Studies reporting barriers and facilitators of exoskeleton use were included. The studies’ quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and undertook a thematic content analysis for papers examining the barriers and facilitators.

Results

Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria. These revealed various factors that impact the utilization of exoskeletons. Factors like age, engagement in an active lifestyle, and motivation were identified as facilitators, while fear of falling and unfulfilled expectations were recognized as barriers. Physical aspects such as fatigue, neuropathic discomfort, and specific health conditions were found to be barriers.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the barriers and facilitators to the use of exoskeleton technology. There are therefore still challenges to be faced, efforts must be made to improve its design, functionality, and accessibility. By addressing these barriers, exoskeletons can significantly improve the quality of life of people with SCI.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Optimize the use of this technology to adapt as much as possible to individual needs.

• Offer an in-depth understanding of the challenges that can arise when adopting exoskeletons.

• Highlight the critical issues with the device, that prevent me from using it outside of clinical contexts.

• Offer useful information to therapists to select the most suitable patients for the use of the exoskeleton and to customize rehabilitation programs more effectively.

Keywords:

• Systematic review
• spinal cord injury
• exoskeleton
• SCI
• qualitative research

Disclosure statement

The authors do not have conflict of interest to declare.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.