Design recommendations for exoskeletons: Perspectives of individuals with spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the expectations of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) regarding exoskeletons. DESIGN: The survey consisted out of questions regarding multiple aspects of exoskeleton technology. SETTING: An online survey was distributed via the monthly newsletter of the Dutch Patient Association for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with SCI who are members of the Dutch Patient Association for SCI. OUTCOME MEASURES: General impression of exoskeleton technology, expectations regarding capabilities and user-friendliness, training expectations and experiences, future perspectives and points of improvement. RESULTS: The survey was filled out by 95 individuals with SCI, exoskeletons were considered positive and desirable by 74.7%. About 11 percent (10.5%) thought one could ambulate faster, or just as fast, while wearing an exoskeleton as able-bodied people. Furthermore, 18.9% expected not to use a wheelchair or walking aids while ambulating with the exoskeleton. Twenty-five percent believed that exoskeletons could replace wheelchairs. Some main points of improvement included being able to wear the exoskeleton in a wheelchair and while driving a car, not needing crutches while ambulating, and being able to put the exoskeleton on by oneself. CONCLUSION: Individuals with SCI considered exoskeletons as a positive and desirable innovation. But based on the findings from the surveys, major points of improvement are necessary for exoskeletons to replace wheelchairs in the future. For future exoskeleton development, we recommend involvement of individuals with SCI to meet user expectations and improve in functionality, usability and quality of exoskeletons.