ROBO-K, robot-assisted gait rehabilitation: A user focused collaborative project

Introduction/Background Robots-assisted gait rehabilitation are used in association with conventional rehabilitation but itu0027s necessary to improve their functionality. This paper presents a psychosocial intervention framework to support the development of a mobile robot for gait training: ROBO-K. The aim was to facilitate the integration of the robot in the walking rehabilitative process and thus, ensure its diffusion. Material and method The representation of the robotu0027s use and its evolutions (i.e., the usual trajectory) has been first studied. Then two multicenter studies were performed in 2013 and 2015. In the first one, patients ( n  = 34) and practitioners ( n  = 74) were interviewed to define acceptable functional specifications (i.e., social acceptability). After this first study, a prototype was developed in collaboration with an industrial partner. In the second one, patients ( n  = 36) and physiotherapists ( n  = 4) tested the co designed prototype in ecological situation during 1 to 6 months (i.e., acceptance and appropriation). Results The results showed that the robot is perceived positively by the patients and the physiotherapists because itu0027s perceived as useful to improve balance and gait and provide safety and motivation. This perception persisted along the experimental procedure. For the physiotherapists, the robot helped to better manage their inner physical effort. In the other hand, the mental load was high. The results seemed also very encouraging in terms of clinical effectiveness. For example, the FAC (Functional Ambulation Classifications) increases by 40% on average. Conclusion Finally, these psychosocial approach with industrial, clinical researchers collaboration is an excellent pathway for innovation conception.