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Journal article
Clinicians' experiences and perspectives on robot-assisted lower limb and gait neurorehabilitation in Western Australia
Disability and rehabilitation, 42696438
2026
PMID: 42696438
Abstract
Robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation (RALLR) may be an effective adjunct to conventional therapy for those with neurological conditions. Robot-assisted rehabilitation is emerging in Western Australia (WA) and local perspectives on this technology have not been explored. This study aimed to explore perspectives of WA clinicians on RALLR, to inform further implementation. This was a cross-sectional survey of neurorehabilitation clinicians across metropolitan WA. A subset of respondents completed semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Fifty-six clinicians (across four professions) completed the survey. Eleven participated in an interview. The majority of clinicians expressed interest in upskilling in rehabilitation robotics (87.5%, = 49) and incorporating robotics into their clinical practice (78.6%, = 44). Access to devices, device practicality and clinician confidence using technology were identified as barriers to RALLR implementation. Comprehensive experiential learning, ongoing technical support and knowledge sharing were identified as key implementation facilitators. Suggestions for an optimised RALLR service in WA were discussed.Most clinicians supported broader implementation of RALLR in WA. Successful integration will require coordinated clinician, organisational and health-system wide collaboration. Sustainable funding models, comprehensive workforce training, accessible technical support and consultation with clinicians and people with neurological conditions are priorities for RALLR optimisation.
Details
- Title
- Clinicians' experiences and perspectives on robot-assisted lower limb and gait neurorehabilitation in Western Australia
- Authors/Creators
- Nikki Bakhtazad - The University of Notre Dame AustraliaAmanda Timler - The University of Notre Dame AustraliaMatthew K Bagg - The University of Notre Dame AustraliaRachel Buckingham - The University of Notre Dame AustraliaSaran Chamberlain - Stroke AssociationBarbara Singer - Edith Cowan UniversityPatricia Martinet - The University of Western AustraliaTaya Hamilton - Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational ScienceJodie Marquez - University of Newcastle AustraliaStuart Hodgetts - School of Human Sciences, Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, AustraliaAnn-Maree Vallence - Murdoch UniversityEric Gaitho - Multiple Sclerosis FoundationEmma Gee - Stroke AssociationJessica Nolan - The University of Notre Dame Australia
- Publication Details
- Disability and rehabilitation, 42696438
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 19
- Identifiers
- 991005916416407891
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s)
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Psychology; Centre for Healthy Ageing
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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