15 October 2020

Researchers from the Radboudumc, theme Disorder of movement, studied for the first time the use of wearable exoskeletons in everyday life in people with loss of motor function due to a complete spinal cord injury (SCI). They published their results in Scientific Reports.

In recent years, many wearable exoskeletons have been developed. Although the use of wearable exoskeletons is allowed in both the clinical and in the home and community setting, exoskeleton use in everyday life is the ultimate goal. Up to now, the use of exoskeletons in everyday life is something that has been excessively speculated about, but has not been studied.

This is the first study that studied actual exoskeleton use in the home and community environment in a relatively large group of people with motor complete spinal cord injury. Participants with complete spinal cord injury report satisfaction with the exoskeleton for exercise and social interaction in the home and community, but report limitations as an assistive device during daily life.

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