Assistive technology based on client-centered for occupational performance in neuromuscular conditions.

Knowledge of the patient's own perception of functioning and dependence, and of environmental factors, is of significant value. The main goals of this study are (1) to obtain a general profile of the occupational performance of persons with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) and their needs related to that performance and (2) to determine the support resources (assistive technologies [AT], adjustment, and/or caregiver) required to improve or maintain their level of independence.This cross-sectional study involved 24 persons with NMD. The functional independence measure (FIM), the checklist of a home's accessibility level, and a specific questionnaire were administered.The sample included 14 women (58.3%) and 10 men (41.7%). A mean of 61.7 (standard deviation = 17.2) was obtained for FIM motor, over 91, indicating a moderate level of dependence. The AT most frequently used was a wheelchair (70.8%). Architectural barriers were detected in the majority of users' homes (87.5%).Concise assessment of the independence needs of people with NMD, according to their occupational performance, and prescription of resources to meet those needs are required. This procedure should be implemented in healthcare programs, including care to a caregiver.

Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of Wheelchair and Contextual Factors on Quality of Life of People with Neuromuscular Disorders.

Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a group of heterogeneous diseases that show differences in incidence, hereditary, etiology, prognosis, or functional impairments. Wheelchair use (manual or powered) is influenced by several factors, including personal and contextual factors, and comprehensive evaluation of their impact is required in order to optimize prescription and provision of wheelchairs. The authors therefore assessed the influence of wheelchair use on the quality of life (QoL) of 60 participants with NMD using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and a specially developed questionnaire were used to obtain information about contextual factors and participants' activity profile of activities of the participants. The results showed that using a wheelchair has psychosocial benefits, with the main determinants of benefit being type of wheelchair (powered), non-ambulation ability, and independence in mobility. Ensuring a good match between user and assistive technology (AT; e.g., wheelchair), as well as the effectiveness of the particular device, will increase the likelihood that the user will adopt it and use it effectively in daily life. Clinical prescription of AT would be improved by making appropriate use of outcome measures.