Beyond Walking: Exploring the Benefits and Functional Use of Exoskeletons in the Home Environment

Learner Outcomes

Participants will be able to explain how individuals with paraplegia can regain independence with functional activities in their home and communities by using a lower extremity robotic exoskeleton.

Describe the physical and mental health benefits associated with the use of lower extremity exoskeletons for individuals with paraplegia.

Abstract

A lower extremity exoskeleton is a wearable robotic device that enables individuals with paraplegia—due to spinal cord injuries or other neurological conditions—to walk. Regaining the ability to stand, offers numerous health benefits, such as preventing or alleviating common issues associated with long-term wheelchair use, including pressure ulcers, bowel and bladder disorders, spasticity, and pain. Additionally, exoskeleton use can improve physical endurance and mental well-being.

In this presentation, the team explains the emotional, mental, and physical health benefits experienced by exoskeleton users during walking and functional tasks. They will discuss the activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) that can be performed with the exoskeleton, as well as environmental factors that can facilitate or hinder its effective use in home and community settings.

Biography

References to support evidence-based practice

1. Juszczak M, Gallo E, Bushnik T. Examining the effects of a powered exoskeleton on quality of life and secondary impairments in people living with spinal cord injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil. 2018;24(4):336-342. doi:10.1310/sci17-00055
2. van Nes IJW, van Dijsseldonk RB, van Herpen FHM, Rijken H, Geurts ACH, Keijsers NLW. Improvement of quality of life after 2-month exoskeleton training in patients with chronic spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med. 2024;47(3):354-360. doi:10.1080/10790268.2022.2052502