Abstract
BackgroundIn recent years, robotic rehabilitation devices have often been used for motor training. However, to date, no systematic reviews of qualitative studies exploring the end-user experiences of robotic devices in motor rehabilitation have been published. The aim of this study was to review end-users’ (patients, carers and healthcare professionals) experiences with robotic devices in motor rehabilitation, by conducting a systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies concerning the users’ experiences with such robotic devices.MethodsQualitative studies and mixed-methods studies with a qualitative element were eligible for inclusion. Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to August 2020, supplemented with internet searches and forward and backward citation tracking from the included studies and review articles. Data were synthesised thematically following the Thomas and Harden approach. The CASP Qualitative Checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies of this review.ResultsThe search strategy identified a total of 13,556 citations and after removing duplicates and excluding citations based on title and abstract, and full text screening, 30 studies were included. All studies were considered of acceptable quality. We developed six analytical themes: logistic barriers; technological challenges; appeal and engagement; supportive interactions and relationships; benefits for physical, psychological, and social function(ing); and expanding and sustaining therapeutic options.ConclusionsDespite experiencing technological and logistic challenges, participants found robotic devices acceptable, useful and beneficial (physically, psychologically, and socially), as well as fun and interesting. Having supportive relationships with significant others and positive therapeutic relationships with healthcare staff were considered the foundation for successful rehabilitation and recovery.
Highlights
IntroductionRobotic rehabilitation devices have often been used for motor training
In recent years, robotic rehabilitation devices have often been used for motor training
Systematic reviews exploring the effectiveness of robotic rehabilitation devices for people in stroke recovery, have shown that such devices can be beneficial for upper limb [15, 16] and gait rehabilitation [17], as well as being cost-effective [18]
Summary
Robotic rehabilitation devices have often been used for motor training. To date, no systematic reviews of qualitative studies exploring the end-user experiences of robotic devices in motor rehabilitation have been published. Motor rehabilitation is important for re-establishing or improving patients’ mobility and functionality and has been proven highly beneficial, for example, in studies with stroke patients [7, 8]. In particular, have often been used successfully for motor training, for example improving upper [9–11] and lower extremity movements [12], as well as walking and gait pattern functions [13, 14], in a variety of conditions, such as cerebral palsy [12, 13] or stroke [9–11, 14]. Systematic reviews exploring the effectiveness of robotic rehabilitation devices for people in stroke recovery, have shown that such devices can be beneficial for upper limb [15, 16] and gait rehabilitation [17], as well as being cost-effective [18]. The authors of the study noted various reasons for why the improvements in impairment did not translate into improved function, such as not providing sufficient guidance to participants about making the “best use of any reduction in impairment in day-to-day activities”, not incorporating goal-orientated repetitive functional task practice in their programme (like the second arm of the study did, which resulted in more positive results), or recruiting participants who had little prospect of recovery [19]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
