Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction with the Use of Robotic Gait Devices in Stroke Patients

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of stroke patients using assistive technology in robot-assisted gait training and to identify the factors associated with their satisfaction. Material and Methods: A total of 60 patients with stroke, including 30 females and 30 males, were included in the study. Motor recovery stages of the upper and lower extremities were assessed using the Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Staging System, cognitive performance was evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination, and satisfaction with assistive technology use was measured using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology scale. Results: Female patients had lower levels of satisfaction with assistive technology, cognitive performance, and certain sociodemographic and physical characteristics (age, height, weight) compared to males (p<0.05); however, their body mass index (BMI) values were similar. Both genders had comparable stroke-related characteristics. Satisfaction with assistive technology use showed a significant negative correlation with age (r=-0.393) and BMI (r=- 0.302), and a significant positive correlation with height (r=0.542) and cognitive performance (r=0.658). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that factors, especially gender and cognitive performance, should be taken into account in the use of assistive technologies in the field of stroke rehabilitation.

Keywords

• assistive technology
• patient satisfaction
• stroke rehabilitation

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