The Effect of Assistive Robotic Technologies on Quality of Life and Functional Independence in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of assistive robotic technologies on quality of life, functional independence, and perceived fatigue level in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Material and Methods: This research involved a cohort of 25 patients who had been diagnosed with SCI. To assess their progress, clinical assessments were administered both at the commencement and completion of a six-week robotic rehabilitation treatment regimen. The evaluations encompassed the use of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) to measure their performance in daily living activities and mobility. Additionally, the quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale – Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) scale, while the levels of fatigue experienced during rehabilitation were gauged using the Modified Borg Scale (RPE). Results: The participants' average age and BMI were 40.72±1.28 kg/m2 and 23.43±0.57 year. Statistically significant differences were found in self-care (p=0.006) and mobility (p=0.004) values of SCIM III scale compared to pretreatment values. WHOQOL-BREF General health status, Physical health, Psychological, Social relations and Environment sub-parameters all showed statistically significant differences compared to pre-treatment values (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in the RPE value to determine the level of fatigue during exertion in robotic walking training (p<0.001). Conclusion: Assisted robotic rehabilitation approaches increased individual independence, quality of life and reduced fatigue during exertion in Individuals with SCI. We think that assisted robotic approaches applied in addition to traditional rehabilitation provide additional benefits in increasing the level of independence and quality of life of individuals with SCI in daily life and reducing fatigue during exertion.

Keywords

• spinal cord injury
• robotic rehabilitation
• daily living activities
• quality of life

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