Upper limb human movement assistance devices for people with disabilities : A systematic review

Upper limb (UL) motor impairments, common in people with disabilities, compromise independence in activities of daily living (ADLs). Assistive devices represent promising solutions for restoring or supporting these functions. However, they remain largely underutilized and underdeveloped. This systematic review provides an overview of technologies aimed at improving UL functional mobility in people with motor deficits. The search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, with rigorous study selection. Inclusion criteria included, among other things: original English studies on UL assistive devices used in ADLs or whose concept was adaptable to this use. Forty-five studies were included, mostly published after 2010. Nearly half involved patients with chronic post-stroke impairments, focusing on distal deficits. The most studied devices were mechatronic hand exoskeletons. Despite a plethora of prototypes, few reached the commercialization stage, limiting their actual accessibility. Although most devices are at early stages of technological maturity, their design objectives and preliminary experimental results suggest real potential for improving autonomy and quality of life, but their development remains limited. This analysis highlights the importance of user-centered development and the need to strengthen the methodological rigor of future studies to foster innovative, modular and accessible solutions.