Movement therapy in lung transplantation candidates assisted by a lightweight wearable robot

Abstract

The aim of this pilot-study was to investigate the safety, feasibility and tolerability of an assisted mobilization of patients with advanced pulmonary diseases, using a lightweight, exoskeleton-type robot (Myosuit, MyoSwiss AG, Zurich, Switzerland). Ten patients performed activities of daily life (ADL) both with and without the device. The mean age was 53.6 (±5.6) years; 70% were male. The assessment of outcome included the evaluation of vital signs, adverse events, rates of perceived exertion and dyspnea (PRE, PRD), the ability to perform ADL and the individual acceptability. Robotic-assisted mobilization was feasible in all patients. No adverse events occurred. RPE and RPD showed no significant difference with or without the Myosuit (mean difference in RPE -1.7, 95%-confidence interval (CI) -1.16, 4.49; p = 0.211; mean difference in RPD 0.00, 95%-CI -1.88, 1.88; p = 0.475). 80% of patients were interested to participate in a robotic-assisted training on a regular basis. A robotic exoskeleton-assisted mobilization is safe, feasible, well-tolerated and well-accepted. The results are highly encouraging to further pursue this highly innovative approach.