Evaluation of the usability of an actively actuated arm support

Dynamic arm supports can be used to increase the autonomy of people with upper limb disabilities, but their usability is often poorly documented. The objective of this study is to evaluate the usability of an actuated arm support (AAS), namely the Gowing power-assisted arm support. Nine participants with neurological disorders restricting their upper limb capacities (DASH = 63.51 ± 7.72) completed various tasks (Upper Extremity Performance Test for the Elderly (TEMPA)) with and without the AAS. Users' satisfaction (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST)) and perceived benefits of the device (semi-structured interviews) were assessed. Large (effect size ≥ 1.15) and statistically significant (p < .05) improvements were found in the TEMPA functional rating, range of motion, strength, precision of gross movements and prehension patterns subscales while using the AAS. Two third of the participants were quite or very satisfied with the arm support (QUEST > 4/5) and interviews were positive about its usefulness in daily living activities. Our study demonstrated that the use of an AAS could result in significant improvements in the autonomy of people with upper limb disabilities.