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Use and evaluation of assistive technologies for upper limb function in tetraplegia

Readioff, Rosti; Kamran Siddiqui, Zaha; Stewart, Caroline; Fulbrook, Louisa; O’Connor, Rory J.; Chadwick, Edward K.

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Authors

Rosti Readioff

Zaha Kamran Siddiqui

Louisa Fulbrook

Rory J. O’Connor

Edward K. Chadwick



Abstract

Context More than half of all spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur at the cervical level leading to loss of upper limb function, restricted activity and reduced independence. Several technologies have been developed to assist with upper limb functions in the SCI population. Objective There is no clear clinical consensus on the effectiveness of the current assistive technologies for the cervical SCI population, hence this study reviews the literature in the years between 1999 and 2019. Methods A systematic review was performed on the state-of-the-art assistive technology that supports and improves the function of impaired upper limbs in cervical SCI populations. Combinations of terms, covering assistive technology, SCI, and upper limb, were used in the search, which resulted in a total of 1770 articles. Data extractions were performed on the selected studies which involved summarizing details on the assistive technologies, characteristics of study participants, outcome measures, and improved upper limb functions when using the device. Results A total of 24 articles were found and grouped into five categories, including neuroprostheses (invasive and non-invasive), orthotic devices, hybrid systems, robots, and arm supports. Only a few selected studies comprehensively reported characteristics of the participants. There was a wide range of outcome measures and all studies reported improvements in upper limb function with the devices.

Acceptance Date Feb 19, 2021
Publication Date Feb 19, 2021
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
Print ISSN 1079-0268
Publisher Maney Publishing
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 45
Issue 6
Pages 1 - 12
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/10790268.2021.1878342
Publisher URL https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10790268.2021.1878342

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