Wearable arm orthosis for Duchenne patients
PhD student | ir. A.G. Dunning (Gerard) |
Duration | 2011-2015 |
Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) gradually lose the ability to use their muscles as they grow older. As a consequence, functional abilities of the arms decrease up to the point that no arm function is left. The disease affects approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births. With increasing life expectancy, the preservation of functional abilities in boys with DMD becomes increasingly important. Although some devices aim to compensate for the loss of muscle function, these are not always adequate and are highly stigmatizing.
Therefore, the A(bility)-Gear project aims to develop an inconspicuous body-bound assistive device that can be worn underneath clothing and supports the arm for the independent execution of essential activities of daily living.
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