Development of an Exoskeleton to Enhance Arm and Hand Manipulation in Individuals with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy

Children with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy typically lose use of their arms as the disease reduces their muscle strength and their reachable workspace.  In an aquatic medium there is evidence of residual muscle strength.  Improvement in reachable workspace is seen when the arm is aided by the admittance - controlled Haptic Master that detects and amplifies sub-movement muscle forces. 

A new, wheelchair-mounted exoskeleton will be developed to allow functional use of the arms and hands for perhaps an additional 5 years, dramatically improving the quality of life.

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) Sergei Adamovich