Description:

Abstract:

Wearable robotic exoskeletons have been developed as a tool for gait therapy in rehabilitation care for a variety of populations, including persons with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). These devices are revolutionary, and hold promise for providing high intensity training to promote gains in physical function, such as strength and range of motion. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding patient preferences for robotic exoskeletons. The goal of this project is to gather comprehensive information that will guide strategies and decision plans to enable the safe and effective use of robotic exoskeletons for both civilians and Veterans with SCI. In this seminar, we will summarize the experiences and perspectives of focus group participants both with and without robotic exoskeleton experience, as well as clinicians, regarding robotic exoskeleton use. 

Biographies:

Allen Heinemann, PhD has worked at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab since 1985 and is currently the Director of the Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR), which focuses on outcomes and measuring the long-term effects of medical rehabilitation in patients with physical disabilities. He is also a Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. Dr. Heinemann has published over 300 articles in peer-reviewed journals and is a recipient of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 22 Roger Baker Distinguished Career award. He is currently Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, as well as a diplomate in Rehabilitation Psychology (ABPP), and a fellow of both the American Congress of Rehabilitation (ACRM) and APA Division 22.

Linda Ehrlich-Jones, PhD, RN has worked at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab since 2004 and is currently the Assistant Director of CROR. She is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. Her primary research focus in on behavioral interventions for persons with chronic illness. She is a co-investigator on the project focused on today. 

Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in the Integrated Postdoctoral Fellowship in Health Services and Outcomes Research at Northwestern University. She earned her PhD in Kinesiology with a biobehavioral focus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research agenda is focused on the interdisciplinary development and evaluation of disease management interventions among disadvantaged populations with chronic conditions.