Video Clip -
Neater Arm Suport
Based on concepts developed by engineers at Cambridge University, the Neater Arm Support offers a 'helping arm' to some people with muscular weaknesses such as muscular dystrophy.
The device, which can be attached to the back of a wheelchair, supports the weight of the user's arm in a sling, enabling them to move their arm back and forth freely using their own muscle power.
The sling is attached via a metal linkage with frictionless joints to an electrically- powered mechanism which lifts it up and down. The user can control the height using a switch that can be operated by the opposite hand or another part of the body.
The unique geometry allows a very wide range of movement .
Though the NAS has proved effective and very useful for some people, please be aware that some muscle power is required from the user to initiate back and forth and side to side movements. Though the weight or their arms is supported, some people find they are too weak to overcome the resistance and elasticity in their own muscles and joints.
"The NAS is probably the most useful piece of equipment I have ever used - not only is it very easy to use but in can assist with a wide variety of tasks. I am able to do a number of activities with it which are extremely practical, and make life much more straightforward."
"I've had spinal muscular atrophy since early childhood and I've got no movement at all in my shoulders and upper arms. I can move my hands and forearms to some extent. I can't manage to feed myself or do things that involve raising my arms. With the Neater Arm Support I can drink a cup of tea, or feed myself, or scratch my nose, or hold a telephone, or even do some exercises which gives me good stretches in my shoulder and elbow." (from the video)
The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign now have information about the Neater Arm Support on their website. Link to: MDC page on the Neater Arm Support
Yvonne Masset, National Occupational Therapy Advisor, Muscular
Dystrophy Campaign said:
"The Neater Arm Support can be invaluable for
people with a progressive weakness of the shoulder girdle muscles. It can help
to reduce the development of joint contractures and maintain muscle strength".
BDF Newlife have featured the Neater Arm Support on this video:
video on BDF Newlife website
We are happy to arrange free demonstrations and trials of the Neater Arm Support in UK. Please contact us for more details. (Not all our overseas contacts are able to offer trials of the NAS or fitting to users' wheelchairs.)
You may be able to get part-funding for a Neater Arm Supoort from the Joseph Patrick Trust.
Email: jptgrants@muscular-dystrophy.orgor you can telephone: 020 7803 4800
Video Clip -
Neater Arm Suport
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