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Session: Poster session I
Session starts: Thursday 24 January, 15:00

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Gerard Dunning (Delft University of Technology)
Peter Kooren (VU University Medical Center)
Just Herder (Delft University of Technology)

Abstract:
People with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), affecting approximately 1 in every 3500 live male births [1], gradually lose the ability to use their muscles. During the first years of the childhood, the larger muscles deteriorate. In a later stage, the smaller muscles deteriorate also. Most of the patients will be confined to a wheelchair before they are 10 years old, because the large upper leg muscles are affected. When the upper arm muscles deteriorate, the patients lose the ability to use their arms during activities of daily life (ADL). Consequently, they become highly dependent on caregivers. Furthermore, most of them encounter psychological struggles, due to restricted participation in social activities [2, 3]. With increasing life expectancy, the preservation of functional abilities for people with DMD becomes increasingly important. To compensate for the loss of arm function, an arm support can be used. This helps the patient to lift their arm, so the patient does not have to generate the muscle strength to overcome gravity. With such an external device, they become more independent, and are able to participate in social activities. In order to encourage the usage in daily life, it should be inconspicuous and give a natural support [4]. The aim of this project is to develop a wearable assistive device that supports the arm function during ADL and is inconspicuous: in the ideal case it fits underneath clothing. Assistive devices that balanced the arm have been reviewed [5]. There are some devices available that support the arm function, but these devices are not always adequate. None of the devices support the pronation/supination of the forearm. Most devices are highly stigmatizing, due to their large volume, which is not close to the body. Almost all of them are mounted to the wheelchair. While a larger device is acceptable for training activities, a wearable device is desired in ADL [6]. Opportunities for a future design are to use the combined center of gravity of the whole arm as interface point between the body and the device. Another interesting feature is to balance the forearm and upper arm independent of each other.