Ward Willaert
Papers
1
Total Citations
38
H-Index
1
About
Ward Willaert is a rehabilitation scientist whose research centers on the intersection of human motivation, clinical expectations, and the usability of robotic technologies in neurorehabilitation. His most cited work, a 2016 study on driven gait orthoses (DGOs) in stroke patients and their therapists, has garnered 38 citations and stands as a key contribution to the field. In this landmark paper, Willaert systematically investigated the often-overlooked human factors—motivations, expectations, and perceived usability—that critically influence the adoption and efficacy of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT). By directly comparing the perspectives of both patients and clinicians, his research provides a foundational framework for designing more user-centered rehabilitation technologies. This work highlights a crucial insight: that the success of advanced therapeutic devices depends as much on the alignment with user expectations as on their technical capabilities. Willaert’s contributions are essential for bridging the gap between engineering innovation and clinical practice, ensuring that future robotic interventions are not only effective but also embraced by those who use them.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1