Therapeutic Arm Supports and Robotic Assisted Therapy

What is a therapeutic arm support?

Devices to support, protect, or enhance arm function for individuals with weak upper extremities

Two types: Static and dynamic

What are static arm supports?

Provides support for the UE’s in a comfortable, protected position, to minimize pain and subluxation

Use in bed or wheelchairs

What are dynamic arm supports?

These counteract gravity, reduce friction, and assist in motion for the client.

Three types: Non-actuated, passively actuated, and actively actuated

What is a non-actuated mobile arm support?

A dynamic arm support that provides no external power

What is a passively actuated mobile arm support?

A dynamic arm support that assists the UE with rubber bands, springs, or weights

What is an actively actuated mobile arm support?

A dynamic arm support that uses electrical power, like a robotic arm to move the UE

what are suspension arm devices?

Dynamic arm supports that can hand from a bed or a wheelchair, affordable and adjustable, but have limited precision (better for exercise than occupation)

what are mobile arm supports (MAS)?

dynamic arm supports that are adjustable joints and aid in elevation assist. They are an exoskeleton for “floating” movement

What are freestanding supports?

dynamic arm supports that are portable and spring or weight based