Acceptance of Enhanced Robotic Assistance Systems in People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis–Associated Motor Impairment: Observational Online Study

• DOI: 10.2196/18972
• Publication Date: 2021-10-09T08:50:02Z
• Authors: André Maier; Cornelia Eicher; Joern Kiselev; Robert Klebbe; Marius Greuèl; Dagmar Kettemann; Marcel Gaudlitz; Bertram Walter; Ursula Oleimeulen; Christoph Münch; Thomas Meyer; Susanne Spittel
• Keywords: Neurorehabilitation; Independent living

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive paresis of the extremities and loss manual functioning. Due to severe functional impairment that entails, ALS requires provision comprehensive nursing care complex set assistive technology devices. To relieve caregivers promote autonomy people with ALS, robotic assistance systems are being developed. This trial aims evaluate acceptance technology, in general, arm among order lay groundwork for development semiautomatic can be controlled humans via multimodal user interface will allow users handle objects attend their own bodies.The aim this study was perform systematic analysis commitment from perspective physically limited living ALS.The investigation conducted as prospective cohort. Participants were only included if they had received medical diagnosis ALS. Data collection took place an online questionnaire on Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie internet platform. Technological measured using Neyer short scale. Furthermore, multidimensional specially developed analyze participant assistance: Acceptance Measure Robotic Arm Assistance (AMRAA). accompanied video introducing robot arm. severity ascertained Functional Rating Scale-Extended (ALSFRS-EX).A total 268 participated survey. Two-thirds participants male. The overall mean score 42.9 (SD 11.7) points out 60 ALSFRS-EX, most relevant restrictions arms legs (<60% normal functioning). ranked high, top third scoring 47.2 60. Younger males showed significantly higher values. AMRAA was, again, younger participants. However, gender difference within cohort not significant. more functioning according ALSFRS-EX subscale, rate assistance. relationship proved significant.People display high technological feel positive about systems. In our study, open use, assistance, particular. Self-appraisal acceptance, competence, control conviction generally men. any presumed vanished when asked anticipated usefulness particular also reflected users' increased willingness use functionality decreased. From critical promoting individual autonomy. Another key consideration future technologies should reduction caregiver burden.German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00012803; https://tinyurl.com/w9yzduhd.