Principle And Design Of A Mobile Arm Support For People With Muscular Weakness

Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Also Included In: Multiple Sclerosis;  Seniors / Aging;  Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 21 Nov 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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People with muscular diseases have difficulty raising their arms against gravity. We developed an arm support device in which a spring-loaded mechanism balances the arm in all configurations.

Consequently, very little muscle force is needed to set the arm in motion. The spring settings can be adjusted electrically, allowing the restoration of balance in case an object is picked up or a coat is put on or off. Several users report on their experience with the device.

Generally, they are positive about the functionality and aesthetics of the device, although moving their arms sideways remains difficult.

Principle and design of a mobile arm support for people with muscular weakness, pg. 591 (PDF)

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