Glozman, Rachel and Hayes, Casey and Michaels, Haley (2023) Embracing innovation: Empowering occupational therapy post-stroke rehabilitation with exoskeletons. Masters thesis, Stanbridge University.
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Abstract
Stroke, a leading cause of disability in the United States, significantly impacts patients' quality of life by inducing physical, economic, and social challenges. Many stroke survivors suffer residual deficits, notably in their arms and hands, which reduces their independence and overall quality of life. With a growing aging population, there is an urgent need to broaden neurorehabilitation strategies addressing stroke impacts. Upper extremity exoskeletons are an emerging technology with promising implications for post-stroke rehabilitation programs. When integrated with EMG sensors, they can detect muscle activation patterns and provide assistive movement (Trigili et al., 2019). A more profound comprehension of exoskeletons among occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) is fundamental to enhancing their use in neurorehabilitation and promoting functional mobility and patient engagement in daily activities. Our study provides insights into perceptions surrounding exoskeleton use in post-stroke occupational therapy practices. We contribute to the growing body of literature on this topic and propose strategies for integrating exoskeleton technology. We uncovered a notable gap in knowledge and training among OTPs concerning exoskeleton technology. Our research revealed that an increased familiarity with exoskeleton technology in occupational therapy practice is associated with a growing awareness of its potential benefits and limitations. We found that the cost of exoskeleton technology, current designs, and usability, along with the lack of training opportunities for OTPs to learn how to incorporate them into practice were identified as major barriers to their adoption. Our research shows that increases in familiarity with the current research landscape are associated with increased willingness to incorporate this technology into practice. This uncovers a knowledge gap that underscores the necessity for enriched educational resources and training. We suggest specialized training programs, workshops, and online resources to enhance therapists' expertise and confidence in employing exoskeletons. We consider financial challenges and advocate for policies favoring the inclusion of exoskeleton technology in rehabilitation plans. We also highlight the need for a diverse research approach towards exoskeletons in post-stroke intervention and encourage collaborations and funding opportunities for exoskeleton centric research. This initiative aims to enhance the acceptance and implementation of this technology in occupational therapy practice, thereby improving post-stroke patient outcomes.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | MSOTOC012.13 |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology |
| Depositing User: | Kareena Yashko |
| Date Deposited: | 16 May 2024 18:35 |
| Last Modified: | 16 May 2024 18:35 |
| URI: | http://repository.stanbridge.edu/id/eprint/135 |
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