Article

Robotic gait training is an emerging intervention that holds great
therapeutic promise in the rehabilitation of children with neuromotor disorders
such as cerebral palsy (CP). Little is known about children and parents' views on
this new technology.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the
expectations and experiences of children with CP in relation to robotic gait
training using the Lokomat(R)Pro. METHOD: An interpretivist qualitative design
was employed in which perspectives of children and parents were elicited through
separate semi-structured interviews to examine expectations of and experiences
with the Lokomat. RESULTS: Four themes related to children's expectations and
experiences using the Lokomat were identified: (1) Not sure what to expect, but
okay, I will do it; (2) It's more than just the Lokomat, it's the people that
make the difference; (3) Having mixed impressions about the Lokomat; and (4) It's
probably helping me, but I don't really know. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation
professionals, researchers and parents are encouraged to reflect on why and how
one might engage children in gait-related rehabilitation in ways that appeal to
children's desires and expectations. This may shape how interventions are
presented to children and how goals and outcomes are framed. Implications for
Rehabilitation Children in this study did not consistently feel excited about,
have a wish to use, or have a sustained interest in the use of a robotic
technology, and at times experienced some anxiety in relation to their
participation in the intervention. Contrary to assumptions that disabled children
value walking "normally", children in this study did not express a desire to walk
in typical (non-disabled) gait patterns, and equated so-called "normal" walking
with their usual walking styles. Thus, we encourage clinicians, researchers and
parents to reflect on why, when and how best to engage children in gait-related
rehabilitation in ways that appeal to and align with children's desires and expectations.

Langue : ANGLAIS