Abstract | BACKGROUND: Upper-extremity movement is limited in individuals with muscular weakness. This paper describes a novel, articulated upper-extremity orthosis, the Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton (WREX), which helps people overcome this movement deficit. METHODS: This prospective, case-controlled study involved an ambulatory patient with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and 2 nonambulatory patients with spinal muscular atrophy type II. The WREX uses elastic bands to negate the effects of gravity; it allows a person with neuromuscular weakness to move their arm in 3 dimensions. The WREX can be fixed on a brace for ambulatory patients and on the wheelchair for nonambulatory patients. Assessment was performed through motion analysis (with and without the WREX), clinical examination, and qualitative questionnaire. RESULTS: Motion analysis showed a marked improvement in upper-extremity function with the WREX. The questionnaire illustrated enhanced functionality with the WREX including self-feeding, fine motor control, and use of a television remote control. Enhanced functionality resulted in improved quality of life by increasing participation in school, raising self-esteem, and increasing social interaction. Two unexpected outcomes were increased security with trunk inclination and amelioration of the effects of contractures. CONCLUSIONS: The WREX provided an increase in functionality and improved the quality of life of the patients. The device has become an integral part of the lives of the 3 patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III in Therapeutic Studies-Investigating the Results of Treatment.
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Authors | Thierry Haumont, Tariq Rahman, Whitney Sample, Marilyn M King, Chris Church, John Henley, Shanmuga Jayakumar |
Journal | Journal of pediatric orthopedics
(J Pediatr Orthop)
2011 Jul-Aug
Vol. 31
Issue 5
Pg. e44-9
ISSN: 1539-2570 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 21654447
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Arthrogryposis
(physiopathology, rehabilitation)
- Child
- Equipment Design
- Exercise Therapy
(instrumentation)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Gravitation
- Humans
- Male
- Orthotic Devices
- Prospective Studies
- Quality of Life
- Recovery of Function
(physiology)
- Robotics
(instrumentation)
- Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood
(physiopathology, rehabilitation)
- Therapy, Computer-Assisted
(instrumentation)
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