Abstract
AbstractArm support is a typical assistive technology device to assist shoulder and elbow movements in those with reduced upper extremity muscle strength due to neurological lesions. Recently, the assisting method, range, and manipulation method of arm support are also changing with the development of technology. Accordingly, an assessment system is required for appropriate matching and measuring the effectiveness in the clinical field. This study examines the direction of the assessment process by analyzing studies that measured the effectiveness of arm support through a systematic literature review. The databases were collected using Embase, CINAHL Plus with Full text, Web of Science, and Scopus. 19 studies were selected according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flow chart. Most studies have been conducted on people with neuromuscular disorders. Assessment area included performance, function, usability, satisfaction, and psychosocial impact. And more than half of the studies measured performance and function. There were various assessment methods to measure the effectiveness including assessment tools, kinematics, physical examination, questionnaire, observation, and EMG, with assessment tools accounting for more than half of the studies. Most studies have set up assessment environments based on tasks related to ADLs and IADLs to measure the effectiveness. Currently, various methods such as assessment tools and kinematics were applied to measure the effectiveness of arm support. The assessment tool was used the most among them. However, assistive technology-based assessment tools are extremely limited. Therefore, it is required to develop an assessment tool centered on assistive technology based on performance related to ADL and IADL in the future.
Publisher
Springer Nature Switzerland