Advancing Gait Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review of Robotic Exoskeletons for Cerebral Palsy

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) experience significant impairments in lower limb mobility, which severely limit their daily activities and overall quality of life. Robotic exoskeletons have emerged as a cutting-edge solution to assist in the rehabilitation of individuals with CP by improving their motor functions. This systematic review, conducted following PRISMA guidelines, critically evaluates lower limb robotic exoskeletons specifically designed for individuals with CP, focusing on their design, rehabilitation interfaces, and clinical effectiveness. The review includes research papers published between 2010 and 2024, analyzing 30 lower limb exoskeletons reported in 57 papers. We analyze each exoskeleton, focusing on its technological features, user experience, and clinical outcomes. Notably, we identify a trend in which researchers are increasingly adapting exoskeleton functions to the specific needs of individual users, facilitating personalized rehabilitation approaches. Additionally, we highlight critical gaps in current research, such as the lack of sufficient long-term evaluations and studies assessing sustained therapeutic impacts. While ease of use remains crucial for these devices, there is a pressing need for user-friendly designs that promote prolonged engagement and adherence to therapy. This comprehensive review of existing gait rehabilitation exoskeleton technologies aimed to inform future design and application, ultimately contributing to the development of devices that better address the needs of individuals with CP and enhance their motor functions and quality of life.