L'Herminez, M. (Mirke) (2021) First steps towards the future exoskeleton: An investigational study on potential users' perspectives and implementation of vibrotactile feedback in order to improve balance. thesis, Medicine.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Background: Wearable exoskeletons offer people with a complete spinal cord injury (SCI) increased mobility and health benefits. However, current exoskeletons meet practical limitations. From a patient centred perspective, it is important to involve potential users in exoskeleton development. Hitherto, only people with interest in exoskeletons were questioned. To broaden this view, other potential users should get involved. Differences in personality traits between interested and not interested people could complement current literature. From the technical perspective, exoskeletons could be improved by increasing balance. Vibrotactile feedback has proven to be effective in other applications. Therefore, implementation of vibrotactile feedback in exoskeletons might improve balance in people with a SCI. Methods: An online survey, questioning interest, personality and exoskeleton functions was conducted with people with a SCI without exoskeleton experience. A pilot on vibrotactile feedback on mediolateral weight shifts included one subject with a SCI, proficient in exoskeleton use. Gait with and without vibrotactile feedback and with and without visual and/or auditory limitations was analysed using ground reactional force (GRF) and centre of pressure. Results: There were no significant differences in personality between different levels of exoskeleton interest. Health was the most important reason for exoskeleton usage. Safety, ease in donning and doffing, comfort and portability were the most important features. Vibrotactile feedback did not have a significant effect on the mean GRF. Conclusion: This study offers a representative stakeholders view on the exoskeleton, appointing important functions and features. The effect of vibrotactile feedback on balance was too small to be significant.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Hijmans, dr. J.M. and Keijsers, dr. N.L.W. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Dec 2021 11:21 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Dec 2021 11:21 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2889 |
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