Myoelectric Arm Orthosis Use at Home in Chronic Stroke Improves DASH Scores: A Retrospective Study

Research Objectives To retrospectively evaluate the outcomes and clinical benefits provided by the MyoPro® arm orthosis in individuals with upper limb impairment after stroke. We hypothesized that the change in score on The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire would be improved after using the MyoPro. Design A retrospective chart review was completed to obtain the participants’ DASH prior to receiving the myoelectric arm orthosis (pre-MyoPro). Participants completed the DASH at least six months after having the brace (post-MyoPro). All participants provided written informed consent before participating in the Institutional Review Board approved study. Setting The post-MyoPro DASH was completed remotely over videoconference. Participants Participants were 65 years of age or older, had a diagnosis of stroke, had the MyoPro for at least six months prior to study participation, and completed the DASH prior to receiving the MyoPro. Nineteen individuals were enrolled. Interventions Participants received a MyoPro arm orthosis prior to participation in the study. A pre-MyoPro DASH and post-MyoPro DASH were recorded. The study did not govern the participants’ training, specific MyoPro use, and clinical interventions. Main Outcome Measures The DASH is a patient-reported questionnaire consisting of 30-items that assess disability in the upper extremity using self-reported Likert scales about physical function, symptom severity, and social participation [1]. The minimal important change value is considered to be a 10-point change in the DASH score [2]. A Generalized Estimating Equations model was applied. Results After using the MyoPro, 17 of 19 participants reported a lower score indicating an improvement in their DASH score. The participants’ mean DASH score decreased 18.07 [95% confidence interval: (-25.41, -10.72) with p< 0.0001]. Conclusions Use of a MyoPro arm orthosis could increase upper extremity function and independence in chronic stroke survivors based on the DASH improvement scores participants reported in this study. Author(s) Disclosures SRC and JN's employers received compensation for this research. ZC received compensation for the statistical analyses. GW is on the Clinical Advisory Board of Myomo and Neuro-innovators, LLC. NH and HK were employees of Myomo, Inc.