A Pilot Feasibility Trial of an Upper Extremity Assistive System

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Stroke survivors often experience upper extremity (UE) impairment, limiting their independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Existing assistive technologies may lack customization or integration of advanced features like functional electrical stimulation (FES).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and clinically evaluate a customizable active UE assistive system with integrated FES.
• To enhance functional performance and independence in ADLs for individuals with UE impairment.

Main Methods:

• A single-arm, prospective, open-label feasibility trial was conducted.
• Five adults with stroke-induced distal UE impairment participated.
• A novel, wearable, lightweight UE assistive system with FES, controlled by EMG, IMUs, joystick, or voice, was utilized.

Main Results:

• All participants successfully learned to use the UE assistive system for independent ADL performance at home.
• Most participants reported clinically meaningful improvements in performance and satisfaction with their goals (COPM).
• Significant improvements in hand grip and release were observed (BBT, ARAT, ABILHAND, PROMIS).

Conclusions:

• The developed UE assistive system shows promise in improving functional performance for patients with UE impairment.
• The system enables greater engagement in ADLs and suggests potential for further development with elbow and shoulder components.