A 45-year-old man developed gradual onset of finger flexors and quadriceps weakness. Anti-NT5C1A antibody was positive, and muscle biopsy was consistent with inclusion body myositis. Options to preserve his mobility were explored. The Dermoskeleton uses high-end sensors and advanced artificial intelligence to detect the user's mobility intentions and generate synchronized assistance at the motorized knees. The device considerably improved the patient's 6-minute walk test (720–790 m) and stair climbing capacity (69–140 steps per minute) (videos 1 and 2), as a result of both assistance (primary) and bracing (secondary) factors. Advancing biomechanical technology provides novel options to preserve mobility and function for patients with neuromuscular diseases.
Video 1
Patient climbing stairs without the Dermoskeleton.Download Supplementary Video 1 via http://dx.doi.org/10.1212/006365_Video_1
Video 2
Patient stair climbing capacity improved with the activated Dermoskeleton.Download Supplementary Video 2 via http://dx.doi.org/10.1212/006365_Video_2
Author contributions
O. Landon-Cardinal, F. Prince, S. Bédard, and M. Hudson: conceptualization and design. O. Landon-Cardinal, F. Prince, and M. Hudson: acquisition of data. O. Landon-Cardinal, F. Prince, O. Benveniste, and M. Hudson: analysis and interpretation of data. O. Landon-Cardinal, F. Prince, S. Bédard, O. Benveniste, and M. Hudson: critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content.
Study funding
No targeted funding reported.
Disclosure
The authors report no disclosures relevant to the manuscript. Go to Neurology.org/N for full disclosures.
Acknowledgment
The authors specially thank the PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, for providing the ideal spaces for shooting these videos and for providing an ideal research environment.
- © 2018 American Academy of Neurology
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