P.467 - A clinical update on the eNHANCE project: Eye tracking control for reaching and grasping in an adolescent Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) population

Abstract

Disease progression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an X-linked genetic condition, leads to loss of ambulation and deterioration in the function of the upper limb (UL). Compensation for UL function is more difficult than loss of ambulation, because of the complexity of UL movements. The poor uptake of current assistive devices is attributed to a gap between users' needs and design of the technology. The eNHANCE project aims to design an eye tracking controlled prototypic robotic arm support to improve the functional performances of those with DMD. As the project aims to employ an End-User driven approach to reduce this gap, a focus group of 15 end users (6 DMD subjects, 9 carers) and 3 therapists was held to determine the disease-specific needs of this population. The results found that the most important features specific to this group were: subconscious control which could be switched off, bilateral, mobile, waterproof, and long battery life. These results were then fedback into the design of the device. The eNHANCE device was then trialled in a healthy volunteer as a precursor to clinical trials in DMD. This demonstrated “proof of concept” with the eyetracker. The robotic arm support successfully moved to its desired target in 10/30 attempts (33%) with an average accuracy of 4.7–5.0 cm. Technical issues with respect to positioning of device deferred clinical trials with arm support alone. Clinical trials in DMD using eyetracking control of the robotic arm support with further assistance of a bio-glove for grasping support are planned for autumn 2017. MCID (Minimum clinically important difference) using PUL (Performance of Upper Limb) will also be assessed at this time.