“Rock on technology”: perspectives of people with neurological conditions on robot-assisted lower limb and gait neurorehabilitation

Authors

• Rachel Buckingham, The University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow
• Saran Chamberlain
• Amanda Timler, The University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow
• Matthew K. Bagg, The University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow
• Nikki Bakhtazad, The University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow
• Taya Hamilton
• Patricia Martinet
• Bianca Haagman
• Stuart Hodgetts
• Barbara Singer
• Ann-Maree Vallence
• Jodie Marquez
• Eric Gaitho
• Emma Gee
• Jessica Nolan, The University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow

Publication Details

Buckingham, R., Chamberlain, S., Timler, A., Bagg, M. K., Bakhtazad, N., Hamilton, T., Martinet, P., Haagman, B., Hodgetts, S., Singer, B., Vallence, A., Marquez, J., Gaitho, E., Gee, E., & Nolan, J. (2026). “Rock on technology”: perspectives of people with neurological conditions on robot-assisted lower limb and gait neurorehabilitation. Disability and Rehabilitation, 48 (8), 2330-2344.

Abstract

Purpose

Explore perspectives of people living with neurological conditions in Western Australia (WA) on robot-assisted lower limb neurorehabilitation (RALLR), and implementation requirements.

Materials and methods

This co-designed, qualitative descriptive study included people living with neurological conditions. In-person semi-structured focus groups (FGs) were facilitated by a person with lived experience of stroke. FGs were recorded, data were transcribed, and thematically analysed using a reflexive approach.

Results

Five FGs included 24 participants (54.2% women, median age 50 years). Of these, thirteen participants had RALLR experience. Primary neurological conditions represented among participants comprised spinal cord injury (n = 11), stroke (n = 3), multiple sclerosis (n = 2), and other conditions (n = 8). Three main themes were established: perceived benefits (physiological, psychosocial, therapy, ambulation, independence, and pain), barriers (awareness, access, cost, psychological challenges, and device limitations), and recommendations for future implementation in WA (access, design, and purpose of robotic devices).

Conclusions

This study highlights the desire for improved access to RALLR among people living with neurological conditions in WA. Participants acknowledged multiple benefits of RALLR; however, addressing financial, design, and availability barriers of RALLR are necessary for successful adoption. Future efforts should prioritise accessibility in both metropolitan and regional areas, optimise device usability, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration in RALLR integration.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• People living with neurological conditions in Western Australia want better access to robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation but barriers, such as cost, access, lack of awareness, and device design currently limit the clinical uptake of robotic rehabilitation technology.

• Robotics were perceived to enhance rehabilitation, aid in optimising clinical outcomes, assist neurological recovery, and reduce secondary health complications.

• Implementation of robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation should consider timing following a neurological event/diagnosis and the type of robotic device that is best suited to the individual and their rehabilitation goals.

Keywords

exoskeleton device, end effectors, neurological conditions, robot

Link to Publisher Version (URL)

https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2025.2548418