Saskia Baltrusch

31 Chapter 2 Patients responded in different ways regarding fear of movement: “I can’t really say I’m afraid, I’m not afraid to move but I know that I just do a lot of things that makes it worse.” (Paula, P) “Yes there is indeed fear.” (Kai, P) 3.2 Experience with assistive devices Limitations of current devices Patients talked about devices they use for supporting their low back. Three patients reported using a back belt, but complained about discomfort and lack of versatility to use it for different tasks. “I have a hate-love relationship with this corset. I’ve really tried everything, but what works when standing doesn’t work when sitting […]” (Paula, P) One patient had positive experiences with assistive devices. Working as a nurse, she uses a stool to unload her back during forward bending work. Using elastic tape on the low back was another method one patient appraised positively in view of the simple application. She, however, also mentioned the difficulty of applying and removing the tape herself. Healthcare professionals did not bring up the use of current devices in the discussion. Positive experiences with the exoskeleton When trying out the exoskeleton during the focus group, patients noted that they perceived support by the device and mentioned increased stability in the low back. One patient commented: “It makes you feel how it could be and how it was […] actually a very old, familiar feeling […]” (Paula, P) 2