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Lebrasseur A, Lettre J, Routhier F, Bouffard J, Archambault PS, Campeau-Lecours A. Evaluation of the usability of an actively actuated arm support. Assist Technol 2021; 33:271-277. [PMID: 31207199 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2019.1629124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic arm supports can be used to increase the autonomy of people with upper limb disabilities, but their usability is often poorly documented. The objective of this study is to evaluate the usability of an actuated arm support (AAS), namely the Gowing power-assisted arm support. Nine participants with neurological disorders restricting their upper limb capacities (DASH = 63.51 ± 7.72) completed various tasks (Upper Extremity Performance Test for the Elderly (TEMPA)) with and without the AAS. Users' satisfaction (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST)) and perceived benefits of the device (semi-structured interviews) were assessed. Large (effect size ≥ 1.15) and statistically significant (p < .05) improvements were found in the TEMPA functional rating, range of motion, strength, precision of gross movements and prehension patterns subscales while using the AAS. Two third of the participants were quite or very satisfied with the arm support (QUEST > 4/5) and interviews were positive about its usefulness in daily living activities. Our study demonstrated that the use of an AAS could result in significant improvements in the autonomy of people with upper limb disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Lebrasseur
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Josiane Lettre
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - François Routhier
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jason Bouffard
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe S Archambault
- Interdisciplinary Research Center in Rehabilitation, Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval, Laval, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Campeau-Lecours
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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