The human hand is important for the performance of activities daily living which are directly related to quality life. Various conditions, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can affect function and wrist. ability assess impairment in wrist by measuring range motion (ROM), essential development effective rehabilitation protocols. Currently clinical standard goniometer. In this study we explore feasibility reliability an optical sensor (Leap sensor) active hand/wrist ROM. We measured...

Persons suffering from progressive muscular weakness, like those with Duchenne dystrophy (DMD), gradually lose the ability to stand, walk and use their arms. This hinders them performing daily activities, social participation being independent. Wheelchairs are used overcome loss of walking. However, there currently few efficient functional substitutes support Arm supports or robotic arms can be mounted wheelchairs aid in arm motion, but they quite visible (stigmatizing), limited...

While there is an extensive number of studies on the development and evaluation electromyography (EMG)- force-based control interfaces for assistive devices, no have focused testing these strategies specific case adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This paper presents a feasibility study use EMG force as operation active arm supports men DMD. We built experimental elbow support, threefold objective: 1) to investigate whether adult DMD could EMG- interfaces; 2) evaluate their...

Therapeutic management of upper extremity (UE) function boys and men with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) requires sensitive objective assessment. Therefore, we aimed to measure physiologic UE healthy subjects DMD patients in different disease stages, evaluate the relation between these measures functional scales.Twenty-three twenty controls (7-23 years) participated this explorative case-control study. Maximal muscle torque, maximal normalized surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitudes,...

Introduction To determine if athletes with coordination impairment (CI) can continue playing wheelchair rugby (WR), while an evidence-based classification system, including tests for CI is not yet available. This a defensible practise they show similar activity limitations as other eligible types (OI) within the same sports class. Methods Standardised activities were measured in 58 elite WR athletes; 14 and 44 OI. Wheelchair consisted of 20-meter sprint, 12-meter sprint full stop,...

Preserving upper extremity (UE) function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is extremely important as it related to independence and quality of life. For clinical decision making, knowledge variables associated UE necessary. This is, however, limited. Therefore, this study aims gain more insight into the DMD. Data from an international web-based questionnaire on function, obtained 213 DMD patients, were used. Six dependent regarding used multivariable linear regression...

Background People with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cope progressive weakness and consequential upper extremity function loss. They benefit from arm supports, or exoskeletons, to assist function. Especially for severe muscle (DMD ≥ Brooke Scale 4), the design of such support is challenging. This study aims structurally develop functional technical requirements supports people DMD 4. Methods An overview clinical characteristics a classification clinically meaningful activities were...

Adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can benefit from active arm supports that augment the residual motion capabilities of their arms. While there is a considerable number exoskeletons commercially available for rehabilitation purposes, no supporting function during performance activities daily living (ADL) are available. In this paper, we present Active A-gear, wearable five degree-of freedom exoskeleton has been specially developed to assist people DMD ADL. The A-Gear built upon...

Purpose To investigate the upper extremity (UE) at level of impairments and related activity limitations participation restrictions in people with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Methods The study was conducted using web-based questionnaires that were distributed amongst FSHD Netherlands. Eighty-eight respondents started survey, 71 completed it. covered following dimensions: Function, Activity Participation International Classification Functioning Disability Health. Results...

A highly dynamic control scheme with very low torque ripple-direct self (DSC) hysteresis control-for high-power medium-voltage induction motor drives fed by a double three-level inverter (D3LI) is presented. In this arrangement, two inverters that are connected in parallel at their DC sides feeding the open windings. The DSC, well known from two- and inverters, adapted to D3LI optimized for minimum ripple. An 18-corner trajectory chosen stator flux of machine since it approaching ideal...

Adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can benefit from devices that actively support their arm function. A critical component of such is the control interface as it responsible for human-machine interaction. Our previous work indicated surface electromyography (sEMG) and force-based active gravity joint-stiffness compensation were feasible solutions elbow movements (one degree freedom). In this paper, we extend evaluation sEMG- interfaces to simultaneous proportional planar (two...

Robotic arm supports aim at improving the quality of life for adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by augmenting their residual functional abilities. A critical component robotic is control interface, as it responsible human-machine interaction. Our previous studies showed feasibility using surface electromyography (sEMG) a interface to operate in DMD (22-24 years-old). However, biomedical engineering community there an often raised skepticism on whether last stage disease have sEMG...

Outcome measures for non-ambulant Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients are limited, with only the Performance of Upper Limb (PUL) approved as endpoint clinical trials.We assessed four outcome based on devices developed gaming industry, aiming to overcome disadvantages observer-dependency and motivation.Twenty-two DMD (range 8.6-24.1 years) 14 healthy controls (HC; range 9.5-25.4 were studied at baseline 16 12 months using Leap Motion quantify wrist/hand active motion (aROM) a Kinect...

Questionnaires are frequently used to measure the severity of gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. These questionnaires can either be filled out by physicians or patients, but it is not clear whether these scores correspond. This study aimed investigate interrater agreement between physician-reported and patient-reported concerning patients' upper GI complaints.In a prospective observational study, eight complaints was registered both patients GPs independently on seven-point scale (n = 316)...

Due to progressive muscle weakness, the arm function in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) reduces. An support can compensate for this loss of function. Existing supports are wheelchair bound, which restricts ability perform trunk movements. To evaluate a body-bound support, prototype (based on Wilmington robotic exoskeleton (WREX) support) that allows movements was built. In order examine effect device and compare it an existing wheelchair-bound device, three healthy subjects...

Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) commonly affect the upper extremity. Due to muscle weakness, performance of daily activities becomes increasingly difficult, which leads reduced independence and quality life. In order support extremity tasks, dynamic arm supports may be used. The Yumen Arm is a novel specially developed for people with NMD. aim this study evaluate feasibility effectiveness in persons Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Spinal Atrophy (SMA).Three DMD three SMA participated study....

Duchenne muscular dystrophy can lead to upper extremity limitations, pain and stiffness. In a previous study, these domains have been investigated using extensive questionnaires, which are too time-consuming for clinical practice. This study aimed at gaining insight into the underlying dimensions of construct short questionnaire that be used assessment.Exploratory factor analysis was performed on responses 213 participants web-based survey find in Capabilities Upper Extremity questionnaire,...

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate trunk function during seated upper limb tasks in patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 2 and 3. Design Seventeen persons 15 healthy controls performed several when sitting unsupported, such as reaching (and placing) forward sideward. Joint torque muscle activity were measured maximum voluntary isometric contractions. Three-dimensional kinematics normalized analyzed performing tasks. Results Trunk joint torques significantly decreased,...

Due to progressive muscle wasting and weakness in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), physical fatigability increases, upper extremity function reduces, which negatively impacts quality of life. Assistive technology such as dynamic arm supports (DAS) may help reduce this fatigability. This study aims assess whether the novel Yumen 'EXone' DAS can fatigue DMD healthy controls (HC), both without DAS. Additionally, longitudinal changes were evaluated.