The goal of this mixed method study is to learn about how a dynamic arm support device (DAS) helps people with everyday activities. The study focuses on people with neuro(-muscular) conditions, age 16 and older. The research questions that are formulated, are: * How does a person experience their daily activities, with and without a DAS? * What are the contextual (external and personal) factors that influence the use of a DAS? Participants will take part in three testing sessions. In each session, they must complete a few questionnaires and participate in an interview. The first time, without DAS. In the second and third session, they will be using their DAS (resp. 3 to 4 weeks and 3 months). The data collection will be executed by phone, digital questionnaires and/or paper.
Methodology: The target group consist of people: * with neurological of (neuro)muscular diseases * at the age of 16 years or older * who are using a dynamic arm support for at least one activity of daily life. This dynamic arm support is developed by Focal Meditech BV (balancer, Flowing, Dowing, Gowing 2 or Top Help) Study design: A convergent parallel mixed method study, consisting of a quantitative and a qualitative component will be executed. Quantitative data will be collected trough various questionnaires and measurements, during three testing sessions. The goal is to include 50 participants (sample size). To make a comparison between daily life with and without a dynamic arm support, paired t-tests or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test will be performed. All tests are two-tailed, with the significance level set at p \< 0.05 and a Bonferonni correction. SPSS, version 27.0, will be used for this data analysis. Qualitative data will be collected trough in-depth interviews. Participant will be recruited through purposive sampling. The number of included participants will be determined by data saturation. Next, data-analysis will be carried out according to a phenomenological hermeneutical method. Analysis will be conducted in NVivo V.12.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
50
The participant will receive a new dynamic arm support.
Focal Meditech BV (their clients in their home situation)
Tilburg, Netherlands
RECRUITINGCanadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)
The COPM is a semi-structured interview, where the participants give at least 5 activities of daily life. They give a score of satisfaction and performance (between 1 and 10) on these 5 activities.
Time frame: Test moment 0: Assessment before delivery of dynamic arm support (DAS), Test moment 1: assessment 3 weeks after delivery, Test moment 2: assessment 3 months after delivery
Psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale (PIADS)
The psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale is a 26-item, self-report questionnaire designed to assess the effects of an assistive device (the DAS) on functional independence, well-being, and quality of life. Scores on competence (between -3 and +3), adaptability (between -3 and +3) and self-esteem (between -3 and +3).
Time frame: Test moment 1: assessment 3 weeks after delivery, Test moment 2: assessment 3 months after delivery
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) - pain
The experienced pain, indicated on a VAS scale, between 0 and 10.
Time frame: Test moment 0: Assessment before delivery of dynamic arm support (DAS), Test moment1: assessment 3 weeks after delivery, Test moment 2: assessment 3 months after delivery
The Flow State Scale for Occupational Tasks (FSSOT)
The Flow State Scale for Occupational Tasks measures flow experiences during an activity with or without a dynamic arm support (DAS). Scores between 0 and 98.
Time frame: Test moment 0: Assessment before delivery of dynamic arm support (DAS), Test moment 1: assessment 3 weeks after delivery, Test moment 2: assessment 3 months after delivery
Diary
During a period of 24 hours, participants fill out a diary in which they indicate how often and for what purposes they use their dynamic arm support (DAS).
Time frame: Test moment 1: assessment 3 weeks after delivery, Test moment 2: assessment 3 months after delivery
Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measure (CATOM)
The caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measure measures the caregiver's perception of the impacts of dynamic arm support in his or her life. Scores between 18 and 90.
Time frame: Test moment 1: assessment 3 weeks after delivery, Test moment 2: assessment 3 months after delivery
In-depth interview
An in-depth interview about: * The personal motivation to use the dynamic arm support * The external facilitators and barriers
Time frame: Test moment 1: assessment 3 weeks after delivery, Test moment 2: assessment 3 months after delivery
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) - fatigue
The experienced fatigue, indicated on a VAS scale. Scores between 0 and 10.
Time frame: Test moment 0: Assessment before delivery of dynamic arm support (DAS), Test moment 1: assessment 3 weeks after delivery, Test moment 2: assessment 3 months after delivery
Positive Health
A questionnaire that assesses 6 dimensions: body functions, mental well-being, sense of meaning, quality of life, participation and daily functioning. Scores between 0 and 10, on each dimension.
Time frame: Test moment 0: Assessment before delivery of dynamic arm support (DAS), Test moment 1: assessment 3 weeks after delivery, Test moment 2: assessment 3 months after delivery
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.