Survey
Views of Physiatrists and Physical Therapists on the use of Gait-training Robots for Stroke Patients
Journal of Physical Therapy Science 28: pp. 202 – 206, 2016
Kang, CG, Chun, MH, Jang, MC, Kim, W & Do, KH
Link to full text: www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jpts/28/1/28_jpra-2015-652/_article
Objective: to survey therapists on the desired characteristics of gait-training robots.
Process: 100 physiatrists and 100 physical therapists from 38 hospitals were given questionnaires. One-third of the respondents had worked with a gait-training robot before, and a third had more than 5 years experience with stroke rehabilitation.
Results: therapists thought that treadmill type gait-training robots should be used with non-independent ambulators to "improve treatment effects" one to three months after stroke. Sensors should detect electromyography, foot pressure, joint torque, tilt sensor. Qualities of design and production should include: stability, comfort, easiness on-and-off, "fitting sense" and light weight.