Disclosures: Caroline Gormley, DO: No financial relationships or conflicts of interest

Objective: To determine the clinical efficacy and functional augmentation of a novel body-worn upper extremity orthotic device which facilitates arm movement for activities of daily living (ADLs).

Design: Case series, feasibility study

Setting: Large pediatric rehabilitation hospital

Participants: Two participants with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, aged 18 and 19, with severe impairment in performing ADLs. Both participants have quadriplegia, muscle strength graded 2-3 in both shoulder and elbow flexion, and inability to lift their hand to their head.

Interventions: This case series, feasibility study, of a new investigational device evaluates the efficacy of a unique motion assist orthotic device which augments movement using power-assisted elbow and shoulder flexion. Testing included an array of weighted functional tasks including, but not limited to, grooming, drinking, and eating.

Main Outcome Measures: Evaluation of device usability, safety, and function in augmenting upper limb mobility during functional tasks. Outcomes will guide further product development for a larger clinical efficacy and safety study.

Results: With the device, participant 1 had increased active movement by 42 degrees in shoulder flexion and 33 degrees in elbow flexion. Participant 2 had increased active movement by 20 degrees in elbow flexion and no improvement in active shoulder flexion, but both participants had less fatigue in lifting objects to their mouth. Both participants are now able to repetitively lift a multitude of objects while wearing this device.

Conclusions: This orthotic device adds power to elbow and shoulder flexion to improve active movement and ability to lift objects in upper extremities. This device could greatly improve a person’s ability to perform ADLs and improve functional independence. Further studies are needed to better to understand the safety profile and efficacy in a diverse population, but these preliminary results are very promising for a device that could greatly benefit those with weakness and decreased functional use of their upper extremities.

Level of Evidence: Level IV

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PM&R Meeting Abstracts - https://pmrjabstracts.org/abstract/feasibility-of-a-body-worn-upper-extremity-powered-orthotic-device/