Use of a robotic walking aid in rehabilitation to reduce fear of falling is feasible and acceptable from the end user's perspective: A randomised comparative study.

Objectives To determine the acceptability and feasibility of the use of a robotic walking aid to support the work of physiotherapists in reducing fear of falling in the rehabilitation of elderly patients with 'psychomotor disadaptation' (the most severe form of post-fall syndrome). Study design 20 participants with psychomotor disadaptation admitted to an academic rehabilitation ward were randomised to receive physiotherapist care supported by the SafeWalker® robotic walking aid or standard care only, for ten days. SafeWalker® supports the body weight whilst securing postural stability without relying on upper body strength or high cognitive demand. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the feasibility and acceptability of rehabilitation sessions at five and ten days based on (i) questionnaires completed by patient and physiotherapist, (ii) the number of steps performed during sessions, (iii) replacement of a robotic session by a conventional one. Results The mean age of the participants was 85.2 years. They had lost their ability to perform some basic living activities. Patients in the intervention group found that the rehabilitation sessions were easier (p = 0.048). No robotic rehabilitation session had to be replaced by conventional rehabilitation. There were no statistical differences between the two groups on the other outcome measures. Conclusion We demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of the use of a robotic walking aid from the perspective of both older individuals and physiotherapists. This could fill the gap between devices that fully compensate for walking and those which allow patients to maintain residual mobility.