Designs of Upper Limb Tremor Suppression Orthoses: Efficacy and Wearer's Comfort

Abstract

Abstract Tremor is a rhythmic, involuntary oscillatory movement that significantly impacts various aspects of a patient's daily activities. The utilization of wearable tremor-suppressing orthoses has emerged as an efficacious and non-invasive treatment approach for managing tremors. This paper reviews recent advancements in upper limb tremor suppression orthoses, with the objective of laying a groundwork for future investigations. Through an analysis of the operational mechanisms, degrees of freedom, weight, and efficacy of tremor suppression across different orthotic designs, the following insights are gleaned: Disparities in operational mechanisms and the quantity of suppression directions are correlated with the device's weight, whereby weight emerges as a primary determinant influencing the comfort level of the orthoses. The interplay between the quantity and mass of quantity of suppression directions significantly influences the efficacy of orthoses equipment. Striking a balance among these three factors is poised to be a pivotal emphasis in forthcoming research endeavors. Furthermore, researchers are increasingly prioritizing the wearer's comfort in the evolution of these orthotic devices.