REVIEW PAPER
Effects of Using Lower Limb Exoskeleton on Function and Psychosocial Well-Being of Stroke Survivors: A Review
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1
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
2
Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh, Malaysia
Submission date: 2025-03-20
Final revision date: 2025-07-13
Acceptance date: 2025-07-26
Online publication date: 2026-03-17
Corresponding author
Deepashini Harithasan
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Lower limb exoskeletons (LLEs) are a potential new development in assistive technology and rehabilitation that offer mechanical support and help people with lower limb limitations, such as stroke survivors. However, little is known about the effects of using an LLE on the overall lower limb functions and psychosocial well-being of stroke survivors.
Aim:
To evaluate the effects of a Lower Limb Exoskeleton (LLE) on lower limb function, including mobility and functional independence in activities of daily living, and psychosocial well-being among stroke survivors.
Material and methods:
The search for this review was conducted from January 2016 to February 2024 using the following databases: MEDLINE AND OVID, SCIENCE DIRECT, PROQUEST, and EBSCOhost. The following keywords were used are [(lower limb exoskeleton OR lower extremities exoskeleton OR robotic leg)] AND [(lower limb function OR lower extremities function OR leg function)] AND [(psychosocial wellbeing OR mental health OR psychological)] AND [(stroke survivors OR stroke patients)]. A total of 7 articles were included in the review.
Results and Discussion:
The lower limb functions were measured using several assessment tools, such as the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremities, Barthel Index, Modified Barthel Index, Functional Ambulation Category, and Modified Rankin Scale. The psychosocial aspects were measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Stroke Impact Scale, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire. Improvements were observed in each paper, although some studies showed no significant difference.
Conclusions:
The use of the LLE in stroke survivors during interventions has been shown to positively affect lower limb functions and the psychosocial well-being of the user.