Patients with hypotonic paresis like in persons with neuromuscular disorders most often have instability of the trunk and head leading to balance problems while sitting or standing. In addition, patients with a hypertonic paresis like cerebral paresis often also have weakness in the trunk.

Involvement of trunk muscles in such disorders and progression over time varies widely between, disorders and individuals. Scoliosis, asymmetric contractures around the pelvis, and luxation of the hips are often present and negatively affect trunk posture. Control of trunk posture is essential for control of the arm and head and consequently for visual control, respiration and to avoid swallowing problems, but especially for function of the hand/arm function.

The aim of this project:

The aim of the project is to realize a co-adaptive trunk and head support (fixed to the body and/or as a in combination with the wheelchair with a sitting device depending on the functional capacities of a person) that stabilizes trunk and head postures while allowing the user to choose postures that support optimal performance of hand/arm activities.