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Feasibility and safety of a powered exoskeleton for balance training for people living with multiple sclerosis: A single-group preliminary study (Rapper III)

Sakel, Mohamed, Saunders, Karen, Hodgson, Philip, Stephensen, David, Phadke, Chetan, Bassett, Paul, Wilkinson, David (2022) Feasibility and safety of a powered exoskeleton for balance training for people living with multiple sclerosis: A single-group preliminary study (Rapper III). Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 54 . Article Number 4544. ISSN 1650-1977. E-ISSN 1651-2081. (doi:10.2340/jrm.v54.4544) (KAR id:99085)

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility, usability, safety, and potential health benefits of using an exoskeleton device for rehabilitation of people living with multiple sclerosis.Design:Single-group preliminary study.Subjects: Eleven adults living with multiple sclerosis, with Expanded Disability Status Scores that ranged from 6 to 7.5 (mean age (standard deviation; SD) 54.2 (11.8) years), were recruited.

Methods:

Individual participants undertook a balance rehabilitation exercise programme using the Rex Rehab robotic exoskeleton device. Each participant undertook 4 × 45–60 min supervised, balance exercise sessions. Primary outcomes were: (i) the number of participants who completed the trial protocol safely, and (ii) the number and nature of adverse events reported. Secondary outcomes were: mobility; balance; spasticity; sleep; functional independence; quality of life; and device satisfaction.

Results:

Ten out of 11 participants completed the trial protocol safely. Four adverse events were recorded (1 serious), all of which were deemed unrelated to the trial. Secondary outcomes showed allied improvements in balance, joint mobility, spasticity and quality of life. All participants found the device acceptable to use. Conclusion: These results suggest that it is feasible and safe to use the Rex Rehab exoskeleton device to assist with balance rehabilitation for people living with multiple sclerosis.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that it is feasible and safe to use the Rex Rehab exoskeleton device to assist with balance rehabilitation for people living with multiple sclerosis.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.2340/jrm.v54.4544
Uncontrolled keywords: Feasibility; safety; balance; multiple sclerosis; rehabi-litation; robotic exoskeleton device; abdominal muscles; mobility.
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion
R Medicine
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Funders: University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56)
Depositing User: David Wilkinson
Date Deposited: 12 Dec 2022 12:00 UTC
Last Modified: 13 Jan 2023 13:06 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/99085 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Saunders, Karen.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Wilkinson, David.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9973-6477
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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