Invited Review: All hands on deck: The multidisciplinary rehabilitation assessment and management of hand function in persons with NM disorders-Article

Article

Pdf Summary

The document highlights the significance of hand function in individuals with neuromuscular disorders, underscoring its impact on daily activities and quality of life. It stresses the necessity of regular assessments and recommends a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach for personalized solutions to optimize function. Various disorders like ALS, SMA, and muscular dystrophies are discussed, along with assessment methods and management strategies. The importance of adaptive equipment and techniques for independence and participation in daily activities is emphasized. The document also addresses energy conservation, caregiver education, and proactive planning for meaningful social and vocational roles. Furthermore, it discusses the utilization of technology to enhance access and communication for these individuals.<br /><br />The challenges faced by individuals with neuromuscular disorders in using technology are acknowledged, with various adaptive technologies and interventions suggested to aid in overcoming these obstacles. The availability of options like touchpads, trackballs, eye tracking, and speech-to-text software for cursor control, and ergonomic keyboards and adaptive styluses for keyboard input, are discussed. The importance of regular assessments, exercises, assistive devices, and surgical considerations for improving hand function are highlighted. The document also advocates for improved accessibility and societal inclusion through policies promoting universal design and appropriate accommodations. Overall, it stresses the need for a holistic and individualized approach, integrating rehabilitation, adaptive technologies, and advocacy efforts to enhance hand function and quality of life for individuals with neuromuscular disorders.

Keywords

hand function

neuromuscular disorders

daily activities

quality of life

multidisciplinary rehabilitation

ALS

SMA

muscular dystrophies

adaptive equipment

technology utilization

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

spinal muscular atrophy