“<em>Rock on technology</em>”: Perspectives on robot-assisted lower limb and gait neurorehabilitation from people with neurological conditions — The Association Specialists
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“Rock on technology”: Perspectives on robot-assisted lower limb and gait neurorehabilitation from people with neurological conditions (22208)

Rachel Buckingham 1 2 , Saran Chamberlain 3 , Amanda Timler 1 4 , Matthew Bagg 1 5 6 , Nikki Bakhtazad 1 , Taya Hamilton 5 7 , Trish Leonard 7 8 , Bianca Haagman 1 9 , Stuart Hodgetts 5 10 , Barby Singer 11 , Ann-Maree Vallence 12 , Jodie Marquez 13 , Jessica Nolan 1 14 15
  1. School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle,, Western Australia , Australia
  2. Sir Charles Gardiner Osborne Park Health Care Group, Subiaco, WA, Australia
  3. Lived experience expert of Stroke and Trauma , .
  4. Institute for Health Research, , University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia
  5. Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia Medical School, Nedlands, Western Australia , Australia
  6. Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales,, Australia
  7. Australian Institute of Neuro-rehabilitation, Osborne Park, Western Australia, Australia
  8. State Rehabilitation Service, Fiona Stanley Hospital,, Murdoch, Western Australia
  9. ActiveLINC Pty Ltd, Innaloo, Western Australia , Australia
  10. School of Human Sciences, Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia
  11. School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University , Joondalup, Western Australia
  12. School Of Psychology, College of Health and Education, Murdoch University , Murdoch , Western Australia
  13. School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle , Newcastle, New South Whales, Australia
  14. School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
  15. Physiotherapy Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group , Nedlands, Western Australia

Background 

Robot-assisted rehabilitation (RAR) is a promising approach to improve function and quality of life in people living with neurological conditions. There are no studies of the perspectives of people with neurological conditions on RAR in Western Australia (WA). The aim is to explore the perspectives and lived experience of people living with neurological conditions on RAR in WA, whilst evaluating the need for RAR implementation in WA. 

Methods 

This co-designed, qualitative, descriptive study included people living with neurological conditions in WA. In-person focus groups (FGs) were held in Perth, WA, and facilitated by a person with lived experience of stroke. FGs were recorded, data transcribed, then thematically analysed using a reflexive approach.  

Results

Twenty-four participants (54.2% female), of whom 13 had RAR experience. Participant median age was 50.5 (23-77). Eligible participants had experience of rehabilitation for a neurological condition, aged ≥18 years old, resided in WA and were able to participate in English. Three neurological conditions were represented among the participants [spinal cord injury n=11, stroke n=3, multiple sclerosis n=2, other n=8]. Three main themes were established in relation to RAR in WA: perceived benefits (physiological, psychosocial, therapy, ambulation, independence and pain), barriers (lack of awareness, access, cost, psychological challenges and device limitations), and future implementation in WA (improved access, design and purpose of rehabilitation robotic devices).

Conclusion
Participants identified perceived benefits, barriers and considerations for future implementation of RAR in WA, but this can only be achieved through addressing barriers of cost, design limitations, improved access and awareness.