ICF linking of patient-reported therapy goals for children with acquired upper extremity impairment

The impact of a soft robotic glove on activity performance and body function for brachial plexus birth injury patients-A longitudinal case series

BACKGROUND

A brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) can cause reduced ability to use the arm and hand in daily activities due to reduced grip strength and endurance. A soft robotic glove can increase the number of activities performed and improve activity performance for patients with neurological disease. The use of a soft robotic glove for patients with BPBI has not been studied.

PURPOSE

To investigate if a soft robotic glove can improve activity performance and body function for patients with BPBI.

STUDY DESIGN

Longitudinal Case Series.

METHODS

A convenience sample of patients with BPBI, treated by the Brachial plexus injury service in Umeå, Sweden were studied. Eight patients used a soft robotic glove, (Carbonhand®), at home for three months. Data on activity performance and satisfaction with activity performance, active range of motion and strength were collected at baseline, and at three and four months. A patient evaluation form was filled out at three months, all patients kept a diary for three out of 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Six out of eight patients wanted to continue using the device and improved their self-perception of activity performance and satisfaction with the performance due to a more secure grip, compared to when not using the device. All patients had improved maximum strength and endurance in elbow flexion at three months. The device was useful as an assisting device and as a training tool.

CONCLUSION

A soft robotic glove (Carbonhand) may improve activity performance and perceived satisfaction and increase the number of activities that a person with BPBI can perform in everyday life. It is possible to increase strength in elbow flexion after using such a device. Due to this limited material, more research is needed.

Use of supported standing in males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Individual and family perspectives

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore stander use in individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

METHODS

This mixed method research study employed a survey with categorical and open-ended questions related to stander use. Categorical responses were analyzed quantitatively. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses was linked to the International Classification of Function. Qualitative and quantitative results were merged to derive meta-inferences.

RESULTS

Of 147 respondents, 28.6% (n = 42) reported stander use. Equipment used included sit-to-stand stander (n = 27), power standing feature in a wheelchair (n = 13), and unspecified equipment (n = 2). Economic services were the most common barrier to stander obtainment. Age of loss of ambulation (LOA) and age of start of stander use were positively correlated (r = 0.61, p < 0.0001, n = 36), with 59.5% initiating stander use after LOA. Twenty-nine respondents reported standing less than the recommended dose of 60-90 minutes at least five days a week, with frequency directionally less than five days per week (p = 0.06) and time significantly less than 60-90 minutes (p = 0.002). Respondents' total dose was significantly lower than the recommended 300 minutes (p = 0.02). Lack of time and presence of contractures contributed to decreased duration of use.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a greater understanding of stander use among individuals with DMD and can assist with decision making about stander use prior to complications of disease progression to promote optimal health despite reported barriers.