Summary: | The mobility of the upper extremity is essential for everyday activities and for independent living. Shoulder disorders affect the range of motion, therefore a patient assistive system (PAS) for the shoulder joint can be used to compensate the restrictions. The developed PAS supports up to 120° of flexion and abduction. The portable dynamic orthotic consists of two levers and is attached to a hip belt. The upper arm of the patient is connected to the device using a brace. The prototype is driven by one motor and controlled by surface electromyography (EMG). The functionality of the system was successfully verified by tests with healthy subjects. For further development, a study with shoulder patients will be performed and health professionals will evaluate the PAS.
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