title: User Evaluation of a Dynamic Arm Orthosis for People With Neuromuscular Disorders.
abstract: This paper presents the results of an online survey conducted with users of a functional upper extremity orthosis called the Wilmington Robotic EXoskeleton (WREX). The WREX is a passive anti-gravity arm orthosis that allows people with neuromuscular disabilities to move their arms in three dimensions. The paper also describes the design of a novel lightweight 3-D printed WREX used for ambulatory children. Three different versions of the WREX are now offered to patients. Two can be mounted on a wheelchair and one to a body jacket for ambulatory patients. An online user survey with 55 patients was conducted to determine the benefits of the various WREXs. The survey asked ten questions related to upper extremity function with and without the WREX as well as subjective impressions of the device. Results show a statistically significant improvement in arm function for everyday tasks with the WREX.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gunn
authors.forename: Tracy M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Shank
authors.forename: Marissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eppes
authors.forename: Jobayer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hossain
authors.forename: Tariq
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rahman
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000067190:Exoskeleton Device / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000066530:Neurological Rehabilitation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009989:Orthotic Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011474:Prosthesis Design