Is it possible to assess the effects of dynamic arm supports on upper extremity range of motion during activities of daily living in the domestic setting using a portable motion capturing device? – A pilot study
Affiliations: [a] Research Center for Technology in Care, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, The Netherlands | [b] School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands | [c] Department of Human Movement Sciences, School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands | [d] Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Loek van der Heide, Lectoraat Technologie in de Zorg, Zuyd Hogeschool, Henri Dunantstraat 2, 6219 PB Heerlen, The Netherlands. E-mail: Loek.vanderheide@zuyd.nl.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Understanding how dynamic arm supports affect the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) in daily life situations is essential for improved prescription. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the newly developed MMAAS is a useful tool to assess the RoM at home. Secondly, to investigate differences in RoM and ADL performance with and without dynamic arm support. METHODS: Five dynamic arm support users performed nine activities with and without dynamic arm support at home. A reference group of five participants was included. Shoulder and elbow RoM were assessed for the three most difficult tasks. RESULTS: The measurement of the elbow joint RoM appeared unreliable. In most participants shoulder RoM increased with dynamic arm support, but the magnitude of change differed. Variation was also found regarding whether people could perform ADL with and without support. CONCLUSIONS: In its current state the MMAAS is not regarded a useful tool for assessing the RoM in the domestic setting. The ability to perform ADL and RoM seem influenced by the environment, users’ needs and abilities. Future studies investigating effects and benefits of dynamic arm supports should be conducted in a broader daily life context.
