Conference paper
Design of a Quasi-Static Neck Brace for PALS with Dropped Head Syndrome
Muscle & Nerve, v 66(S2), pp S34-S34
01 Nov 2022
Abstract
Background: Dropped head syndrome (DHS) has been reported in many neuromuscular disorders. In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), DHS usually occurs within the first few years after disease onset.[1] Commercially available neck braces can result in suffocation, skin-irritation, swallowing difficulty, and neck soreness/pain.[2] We propose a minimalistic 3d printed neck collar design, incorporating essential biomechanics and neuroergonomic principles that provide the required head support.
Methods: The 3d printed neck brace consists of posterior support extending along the spinal column from the shoulder blades to the occiput, then interconnecting links that continue up to the crown. The links are connected via a modified curved hinge joint that allows transverse rotation while restricting flexion and extension. This section ends with the temporal support bars, which can accept a forehead strap. The anterior points are the shoulder pads at the bottom and temporal pieces at the top. The shoulder pads are held together by a snap button connector at the sternum.
Results: The proposed design has been modeled in Autodesk Maya as a proof of concept. It has shown potential with initial in-software testing. Next steps include printing and testing the model on people living with ALS (PALS).
Discussion: This study aims to develop a novel neck support for PALS displaying DHS for controlling head flexion, extension, and abduction. The design concept was developed by a team of biomedical engineers and healthcare professionals, with input from PALS, after reviewing commercially available products and previous prototypes. The 3d printed design allows the system to be personalized to the user while keeping the core design constant. The minimalistic design, cost effectiveness and customizability allow for wide usability of the collar.
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Details
- Title
- Design of a Quasi-Static Neck Brace for PALS with Dropped Head Syndrome
- Creators
- Mohammad Sahal - Drexel UniversityGrace Feldman - Drexel University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health SystemsYashodha Ravichandran - Drexel University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health SystemsHasan Ayaz - Drexel University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health SystemsSara Feldman - Temple UniversityTerry D Heiman-Patterson - Temple University
- Publication Details
- Muscle & Nerve, v 66(S2), pp S34-S34
- Conference
- 21st Annual Meeting of the Northeast ALS Consortium, 21st (Clearwater Beach, Florida, United States, 01 Nov 2022–03 Nov 2022)
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 1
- Resource Type
- Conference paper
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems
- Other Identifier
- 991022173775004721