Feasibility and effectiveness of a novel dynamic arm support in persons with spinal muscular atrophy and duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Mariska M H P Janssen, Jolinda Horstik, Paulien Klap and 1 others
PMID 34020668WHAT IT FOUND
Six people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy tried a new arm support.
It helped most perform upper limb tasks and reduced fatigue, but results varied greatly, especially for those with severe scoliosis.
Key findings
01The arm support improved functional ability scores in most participants, with no one showing a decline.
02Fatigue increased less during tasks when using the support compared to without it.
03Fitting the device was difficult for participants with spinal muscular atrophy due to severe scoliosis and body asymmetry.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study included only six participants, making it impossible to generalize the findings. There was no control group or randomization; all participants received the same intervention. Fatigue levels were higher before the test with the device than without it, which may have influenced the results. The study measured capacity in a lab setting, not actual performance in daily life. The device fit poorly for participants with spinal muscular atrophy due to severe scoliosis, limiting its usability in this group.
Declared interests
The study was funded by Prinses Beatrix Spierfonds. The device was developed by Yumen Bionics, a startup founded to commercialize academic research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this device works equally well for all neuromuscular disorders. It fit poorly and offered less benefit to participants with spinal muscular atrophy and severe scoliosis compared to those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.