Article

Numerous dynamic arm supports have been developed in recent decades to increase
independence in the performance of activities of daily living. Much effort and
money have been spent on their development and prescription, yet insight into
their effects and effectiveness is lacking. This article is a systematic review
of evaluations of dynamic arm supports. The 8 technical evaluations, 12 usability
evaluations, and 27 outcome studies together make 47 evaluations. Technical
evaluations were often used as input for new developments and directed at
balancing quality, forces and torques, and range of motion of prototypes.
Usability studies were mostly single-measure designs that had varying results as
to whether devices were usable for potential users. An increased ability to
perform activities of daily living and user satisfaction were reported in outcome
studies. However, the use of dynamic arm supports in the home situation was
reported to be low. Gaining insight into why devices are not used when their
developers believe them to be effective seems crucial for every new dynamic arm
support developed. The methodological quality of the outcome studies was often
low, so it is important that this is improved in the future.

Langue : ANGLAIS