SURVEY ON SOCIALLY INTEGRATED WEARABLE GAIT ROBOTS IN 192 CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH GAIT DYSFUNCTION: A NEW ROBOT STRATEGY AND DESIGN

Robot-assisted gait rehabilitation technology mitigates gait dysfunction caused by neurological conditions by focusing on functional impairments and activity limitations. However, it often neglects integrative robotic designs that address the international classification of functioning (ICF) domains, including impairments, activity limitations, and social community participation. To develop optimal social integration wearable gait-assisting robots for individuals with neurological gait dysfunction through a comprehensive robot design survey, a survey, including 192 participants with gait dysfunction across all age groups, was conducted to identify important demographic and clinical outcome variables and related robotic design features. Data were analyzed using qualitative, correlation, and χ2 analyses at P<0.05. This survey data identified important relationships between functional ambulation classification and awareness of robot (r=0.391∗∗, P=0.000), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and robot satisfaction (r=0.605∗∗, P=0.002), gross motor function classification scale (GMFCS) levels and reason for using robots (r=-0.351∗, P=0.018) and social participation, considering personal and environmental contextual factors. The correlation between lower TUG scores and higher robot satisfaction suggests that users with mobility challenges benefit more from the wearable gait assisting robot ("MIRACLE"), leading us to refine the interface and control mechanisms to further optimize ease of use and stability for individuals with slower walking speeds or greater balance impairments. This, in turn, results in more tailored assistance and improved user interaction with the robotic device. The survey data can contribute to designing effective, socially integrated robotic systems that will enhance mobility, independence, and social integration for pediatric and adult populations with gait dysfunction. By highlighting these connections in the abstract, we aim to provide a clearer picture of how the study's results contribute to meaningful improvements in the design and function of the MIRACLE robots, aligning with the ultimate goal of enhancing mobility and user satisfaction.