RESUMO
PURPOSE: To examine the perspectives of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (WUSCI) regarding their participation in a 16-week walking program using a wearable robotic exoskeleton (WRE); and explore concerns and expectations regarding potential use of this device and intervention in the context of a home or community-based adapted physical activity program. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a narrative research, 3 weeks post-intervention. Thematic analysis resulted in 6 themes and 21 subthemes. RESULTS: Seven men and 4 women aged between 32 and 72 years were interviewed; 8 of them had a complete SCI. After the walking program, WUSCI reported positive psychological aspects (having fun and motivation) and experiencing improvements in physical aspects (strength, endurance, balance and flexibility, blood circulation and intestinal transit). The structural aspects of the WRE device were acceptable in a lab with research personnel (appearance, size, weight, and comfort). Participants had concerns about safety on uneven surfaces, and possibility of falling. They expressed the desire to use the WRE for more life habits than just walking. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in which WUSCI report that the WRE should be implemented in initial rehabilitation. Lack of availability for community use after rehabilitation remains a concern.
Participation in a walking training program using a wearable robotic exoskeleton, 1-3 times weekly over several weeks, may be well tolerated and provide physical and psychological benefits for wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries.Using a robotic exoskeleton during initial rehabilitation may be well received and help with regaining strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility as well as promoting blood circulation and intestinal transit.The use of the wearable robotic exoskeleton always needs supervision of a clinician for walking and can't be used independently by wheelchair users; there is no possibility for hands free for household tasks (e.g., washing floors, accessing cupboards or reaching shelves, using stairs), and for recreation (e.g., exercising, taking walks, cultural activities, concerts).
RESUMO
The goal of the present study was to examine how canine assistance may support family caregivers and persons with dementia and to document and compare two modalities of home care support. An exploratory comparative case study research design was conducted. Three cases correspond of dyads of a caregiver, a person with mild to moderate dementia, and either a neuro service dog (NSD), a companion dog or no dog. Hypotheses are formulated to capture differences between cases. Recruitment was done in a service dog organisation, through Canadian Alzheimer associations and in records of a hospital. Data were collected through 45-60 minutes telephone interviews that included completion of the Caregiver's Burden Scale and sociodemographic questions. We used an inductive approach with qualitative data. There were five caregivers (mean age 54.8 years) who had an NSD, 28 caregivers (63.6 years) who had a companion dog, and 23 caregivers (63.8 years) without dog. In the category of roles and usages of the dog, 'Socialisation' and 'Help with a sense of direction' were the most addressed roles for dyads with the NSD. For dyads with companion dog and without dog, 'Engagement-and-meaning of life' as well as 'Physical activity with the dog' were the most discussed roles. The 'Sleep or wake up' role was the least discussed role across three cases. In the other categories, they were seven advantages and 10 inconvenients that were mentioned for canine assistance. For home care support, the presence of NSD has more positive impacts on both the person with dementia and their caregiver compared to the presence of a companion dog; the presence of a NSD results in the person with dementia accessing more indoor and outdoor public sites than with a companion dog; and dyads with a dog are informally socially engaged more frequently than those with no dog.
