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About

Kara K. Patterson is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation and assistive technology, with a primary focus on improving gait recovery after stroke through the use of wearable robotic exoskeletons. Her work bridges the critical gap between engineering innovation and clinical practice, examining both the technical design and real-world implementation of lower limb exoskeletons. Patterson’s most-cited paper (85 citations) provides a qualitative analysis of the perspectives of persons post-stroke and physiotherapists on exoskeleton use, highlighting the human factors essential for successful adoption in rehabilitation. She has also investigated physiotherapy students’ views on implementing this technology (16 citations), underscoring the need for training and curriculum development. Additionally, Patterson contributed to a framework for mapping and controlling exoskeleton gait patterns in simulation and real-world settings (7 citations), advancing on-the-fly customization for individual patients. Her research is notable for its patient-centered approach and emphasis on translating robotic innovations into accessible, effective clinical tools. With a growing citation impact, Patterson is shaping the future of post-stroke gait rehabilitation by ensuring that emerging technologies meet the needs of both clinicians and those recovering from neurological injury.