Baxter, S., Reed, H., Clarke, Z. et al. (11 more authors) (2016) Evaluating a novel cervical orthosis, the Sheffield Support Snood, in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease with neck weakness. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration . ISSN 2167-8421
Abstract
Current practice and guidelines recommend the use of neck orthoses for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to compensate for neck weakness and to provide surrogate neck control. However, available options are frequently described by patients as restrictive and unsuitable and there was a need for a new device that addressed the needs of people with ALS. This project utilized a co-design process to develop a new neck orthosis that was more flexible yet supportive. Following development of a prototype device, a mixed methods cohort study was undertaken with patients and carers, in order to evaluate the new orthosis. Twenty-six patients were recruited to the study, with 20 of these completing all phases of data collection. Participants described the impact of neck weakness on their life and limitations of existing supports. Evaluation of the new orthosis identified key beneficial features: notably, increased support while providing a greater range of movement, flexibility of use, and improved appearance and comfort. In conclusion, the results of this evaluation highlight the value of this alternative option for people with ALS, and potentially other patient groups who require a neck orthosis.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2016 Taylor & Francis. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; cervical orthosis; co-design; head drop; motor neurone disease; neck orthosis; neck support; neck weakness |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Health and Related Research (Sheffield) > ScHARR - Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 05 Feb 2016 16:32 |
Last Modified: | 16 Apr 2017 21:32 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/21678421.2016.1148170 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.3109/21678421.2016.1148170 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:94616 |