Restoring arm function with a soft robotic wearable for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Robotics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Upper limb robotic wearables show promise in rehabilitation but face challenges in portability and daily usability for neurodegenerative conditions.
• Existing assistive technologies often lack the necessary integration for seamless everyday use, particularly for individuals with progressive neuromuscular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a lightweight, portable, textile-based soft inflatable robotic wearable for shoulder elevation assistance.
• To assess the device's effectiveness in improving active range of motion, functional activities, and mitigating muscular fatigue in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Main Methods:

• A novel, mechanically transparent, soft inflatable robotic wearable weighing 150 grams per limb was developed.
• The wearable was tested on 10 individuals with ALS, evaluating immediate improvements in range of motion and functional activities, with a 6-month follow-up for two participants.
• Quantitative assessment of user movement and muscle activity was performed.

Main Results:

• Immediate improvements in active range of motion were observed in individuals with ALS.
• The robotic wearable compensated for physical deterioration over 6 months in two participants.
• Significant improvements in functional activities of daily living, reduced shoulder muscle activity, decreased perceived exertion, and increased endurance were demonstrated without specific training.

Conclusions:

• The developed soft robotic wearable is lightweight, portable, and suitable for everyday use, offering dynamic shoulder assistance.
• This technology shows potential to improve mobility, reduce fatigue, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with ALS and similar neuromuscular impairments.
• The findings represent a significant advancement towards the widespread adoption of soft robotic wearables in daily assistive care.