An overview and categorization of dynamic arm supports for people with decreased arm function

Abstract

The provided overview of devices in this article and the classification developed is relevant for practitioners seeking assistive solutions for their clients as it makes the range of developed solutions both accessible and comprehensible.

The perceived functional benefit of dynamic arm supports in daily life

“…The study consisted of a questionnaire, an interview, and an observation of task performance. Participants, aged 12 yr or older, were provided with a generic (not task-specific) dynamic arm support that allows the arm to be moved vertically (either passive or active), to support in ADLs (not to be used solely at work) between January 2012 and July 2013 [2]. In the Netherlands, four companies provide dynamic arm supports.…”

“…The quality of ADL task performance was assessed in the home environment for six tasks. These tasks were (1) opening and closing a door and shaking hands, (2) drinking from a glass, (3) using a keyboard, (4) combing hair, (5) putting on a coat, and (6) reaching for a book on a coffee table. These activities were selected because they represent tasks that most people have to perform in some way in daily life, they are regarded as important, and they originate from different ADL domains [1,8].…”

“…Because of limitations in their arm function, these people might rely on the help of caregivers to accomplish activities of daily living (ADLs) and might experience a great loss of independence and control. Dynamic arm supports are a class of assistive technology that could be used to support ADLs for people with limited upper-limb function [2].…”

2nd Workshop on upper-extremity assistive technology for people with Duchenne: Effectiveness and usability of arm supports Irvine, USA, 22nd–23rd January 2018

“…The use of assistive devices has the potential to improve the quality of life for people with DMD, by enabling them to continue performing activities of daily living https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmd.2019.07.005 0960-8966 and participating in social activities. In the last decades, several mobile arm supports that aim at compensating the loss of arm function in people with muscle weakness have been developed and are commercially available [4,5] . These devices are generally attached to the wheelchair and use springs to compensate the weight of the arm.…”

“…In some cases, small actuators are used to adjust the weight compensation force and other device settings. Despite all the developmental efforts, few devices are commercially available [5,6] and only a small portion of the people who can potentially benefit from the use of an arm support actually uses one [5,7] .…”