PATIENT EXPERIENCES
The feeling of regained independence.
When life is filled with people saying, ‘here you go,’ technology can flip the script. See patients working to initiate independence and say, ‘here I go’.
LUKE
RICH
ERIKA
“The Abilitech Assist device has the potential to help me regain my independence and dignity.”
CAYDEN
“I am able to eat a meal with friends independently. I couldn’t do that without the Abilitech Assist. I feel more like myself.”
DR. SAMIR
“My dream is to be able to use my arm again, make things easier for my wife and go back to the profession I love and live for.”
The Patient Resource Center
Find helpful resources and answers to common questions about upper-limb assistive devices.
How much weight can a user lift while using the Abilitech™ Assist device?
The Abilitech™ Assist device is designed to aid the wearer to lift objects up to 12oz. This lift support varies based on patient strength and spring selection. Stronger patients may be able to lift heavier objects. Some individuals may experience lift assistance less than 12oz.
What makes the Abilitech™ Assist unique?
The Abilitech™ Assist is the only body-worn device that provides a hybrid assist at the shoulder and elbow. The technology uses springs, motors and software to optimize the support needed for each individual without overriding their existing function. Each patient can dynamically adjust their profil…
Is the Abilitech™ Assist recognized by the FDA?
The Abilitech™ Assist is listed by the FDA as a Class I orthosis. Its registration and device listing can be viewed here. [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfrl/rl.cfm?lid=700232&lpcd=IQI]
What determines if the Abilitech™ Assist device is right for someone?
The Abilitech™ Assist is for individuals with neuromuscular weakness of their arms, and patients need intrinsic strength to benefit from this technology. This level of function is correlated to a manual muscle test score of a 2- to a 3+ for shoulder and elbow flexion. Contraindications include: • Gr…
How long have upper-arm orthoses existed?
Upper-arm orthotic devices debuted in the U.S. in 1930s during the polio epidemic. These devices became part of the standard of care within clinic settings the 1960s. The first IP piling for the Abilitech™ Assist and its novel ability to support the shoulder with springs and counterbalance was filed…
How important are caregivers to improved upper-arm function?
Support from caregivers has been shown to be an important determinant of improved upper-limb function. Beyond caregivers’ abilities to address the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of those they care for, caregivers have been shown to be a determinant of improved upper-limb function in certai…
Which innovations are changing upper-arm orthotics?
Today’s upper-limb orthotic innovations increasingly consist of lightweight materials, advanced sensors and/or microprocessors, high-density batteries, and powerful actuation systems. Some even contain onboard memory to capture and communicate usage and biometric data. Abilitech Medical leverages ma…
How important is it for assistive devices to be used at home?
Many kinds of at-home technologies exist to enhance the independence of persons with disabilities. Research surrounding home-based adaptations and assistive technology meant for older adults has shown that these technologies can substitute for and supplement formal care, and in most cases the initia…
What’s the average financial cost of an upper-extremity injury?
The cost of an upper-extremity injury depends on multiple factors, including severity of injury, any surgeries involved, underlying neuromuscular condition, length of stay, and more. The average direct acute care costs associated with SCI injuries in the US are estimated to be $181,093 U.S., a numbe…
Why is providing shoulder assistance meaningful and unique?
Shoulders are involved with just about every body movement. Whether it’s getting out of bed, raising a fork or spoon to the mouth or reaching to get a glass from the cabinet, they are extremely consequential to individuals’ abilities to engage in their environments. Notably, the shoulder is responsi…
How much arm motion do people need in order to work?
The level of arm mobility required to work depends on the job, but many roles exist that can be performed with weaker functioning or non-functioning arms. In the U.S., individuals must be able to perform the tasks essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, to qualify for protect…
What does an Abilitech Assist tele-evaluation consist of?
Abilitech Medical’s tele-evaluation is a free and confidential assessment that occurs virtually through HIPAA-compliant video conferencing on a patient’s camera-enabled computer, smartphone or tablet. The evaluation typically lasts 30 minutes. Patients are asked to perform specific movements demonst…
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