RObotic WAlking for children who CAnnot WAlk (RoWaCaWa): feasibility and family impacts and perspectives of a family-led intervention

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Authors: Jessica L Youngblood, Benjamin M. Norman, Christa M. Diot, Karin Eldred, Sean Peter Dukelow, Hana Alazem, Anna McCormick, Jennifer D. Zwicker, Patricia E. Longmuir, Kelly A. Larkin-Kaiser, Elizabeth G. Condliffe
Cited by: 1
References: 53

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility, impacts, and perspectives of a family-led robotic walking intervention.Materials & Methods This single-arm interventional study recruited participants aged ≥4 years with neuromotor impairments. Participants were lent a robotic walker and recommended to use at least 150 min/week for 12-weeks. Robotic walking use, acceptability, practicality and adverse events were tracked. Family goals were measured before and after training period using Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Quality of life was examined using EQ-5D-Y, Carer-QoL, and CP-CHILD. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (median (25th-75th percentile)) and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Qualitative interviews captured family perspectives and were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results 15 participants aged 4-23 completed this study. Participants trained 5 (3.5-6) times for 150(82-181) minutes and took 7,544(4,640–9,575) steps each week. Adverse events occurred in

Fields of Study & Subjects

Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Robotics Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility Robotic Locomotion and Control

Publication details

Journal / source
Disability and Rehabilitation
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Pages
1–20
Publication date
30 April 2026
Language
EN