Impact Study on Users of Upper Limb Assistive Devices

In the researchers' words

This impact study of upper limb (UL) assistance devices is part of the Exploratory PEPR O2R "Robotic assistance for human movements." The integrated project PI3 "ASSISTMOV," composed of a multidisciplinary team in engineering and Human and Social Sciences (HSS), targets the use case of employing robotic assistance for the movement of persons with disabilities (PWD). Through the development of a range of exoskeletons (lower and upper limbs), this project aims for a breakthrough technology enabling fluid and robust interaction with a variety of environments and uses (from rehabilitation to daily life). The proposed study contributes to this objective by exploring the clinical and psychosocial dimensions of the daily use of UL assistance devices. Through interviews and questionnaires, it aims to collect data on their impact in terms of independence in activities of daily living (ADL), satisfaction, quality of life, social participation, as well as social perceptions related to the use of these technical aids. It will make it possible to document the benefits and limitations of existing devices from the users' point of view (patients and informal and/or professional caregivers), by identifying the factors that facilitate or hinder their adoption and by exploring the care pathway, from prescription to daily use. The questionnaires will also allow examination of economic…