1. VP.27 Potential of the Keeogo+, a lightweight wearable powered assistive exoskeleton in patients with neuromuscular disorders: preliminary findings.
- Author
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Feigean, R., Afroun, C., Gasnier, E., Benveniste, O., Bassez, G., Hogrel, J., and Bachasson, D.
- Subjects
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NEUROMUSCULAR diseases , *ROBOTIC exoskeletons , *INCLUSION body myositis , *BECKER muscular dystrophy , *MUSCLE weakness , *RATE of perceived exertion , *ASSISTIVE listening systems - Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are characterized by progressive muscle weakness leading to dramatic impairments in functional capacities and quality of life. A new class of promising lightweight lower-limb wearable powered exoskeletons is currently emerging. However, data regarding the potential of such devices in patients with NMD are scarce. Within this work, we investigated the potential of the Keeogo+ (B-Temia Inc., Quebec, Canada), a lightweight wearable exoskeleton providing assistance to the knee using compact motors. Five patients with NMD (4 with inclusion body myositis, 1 with Becker muscular dystrophy) were studied. Without using the Keeogo+, 2-min walking distance (2MWD) was 126±31 m (67±17% of predicted values), number of repetitions during a 30-s sit-to-stand test (30s-STS) was 6±3, and MRC score for knee extension and hip flexion was 2.7±0.6 and 3.4±0.9, respectively. Changes (n patients improved/ impaired) in performance while using the Keeogo+ during the following tests were as follows: 2MWD (0/4), 30-STS (2/3), TUG (0/5), 4-stairs climbing test (1/3). Regarding perceptions during the 2MWD as assessed using visual analogue scales, changes were: stability (2/2), exertion (1/3), and dyspnea (4/0). No fall occurred while wearing the device. Usability of the Keeogo+ as assessed using the system usability scale (/100) was 41±23.2, corresponding to good to excellent usability. Discomfort as assessed using the modified Nordic questionnaire (/10) was 1.8±0.9, corresponding to a low level of discomfort. The limited sample size limits the use of insightful statistics. Within this small group of patients, the use of the Keeogo+ was associated with variable changes in performance and perceptions depending on the functional test. Further research in a larger sample is warranted to further investigate the potential of this device in patients with NMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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