Caitlin McDonald
Papers
1
Total Citations
25
H-Index
1
About
Caitlin McDonald is a rehabilitation scientist whose research centers on the intersection of neurorehabilitation, human-robot interaction, and patient-centered outcomes in stroke recovery. Her most cited work, "Stroke survivor perceptions of using an exoskeleton during acute gait rehabilitation" (2022, 25 citations), provides critical insight into how robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) is experienced by patients themselves. This study highlights the importance of user perspectives in optimizing exoskeleton design and therapy protocols, bridging the gap between technological innovation and real-world clinical application. McDonald’s research demonstrates that while RAGT devices offer intensive, high-repetition gait training with reduced therapist burden—improving the likelihood of independent walking post-stroke—patient acceptance and comfort are equally vital for efficacy. By centering the voices of stroke survivors, she advances a more holistic, human-centered approach to rehabilitation technology. Her work is particularly valuable for clinicians, engineers, and researchers seeking to design interventions that are not only biomechanically effective but also psychologically empowering for individuals recovering from neurological injury.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1