The Development of a Head and Neck Support Device for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Abstract

1. INTRODUCTION

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) that are classified as levels 4 and 5 on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), struggle with posture and sitting upright [1]. The proposed research will develop a head and neck support device for children with CP. A user-centered design approach has been taken through partnerships made with children with CP, in the Kingston community. A quality function deployment (QDF) was performed to identify the engineering specifications. A series of tests were performed to gain information about the participant, which is vital for the development of the device. The first testing objective was to gain information surrounding the motion of the head as it moves from the upright position through cervical/lateral flexion. The second testing objective was to gain information about the force of the head as it tilts from the initial upright position through cervical flexion/lateral flexion. The device will be designed using an AutoCAD software and manufactured using a combination of computer numerical control and three-dimensional printing. Once manufactured the device will be evaluated based on parameters such as: children’s improved ability to communicate, increased comfort and compatibility with assistive devices.

2. METHODS

A. Co-design Process 

By conducting a QFD, clear design requirements can be established between the client and the primary researcher. Design requirements were categorized by aesthetics, usability, performance and structural properties. These design requirements were then translated into technical engineering specifications. Throughout the entire project, the client and their family will be very involved. They have reviewed and ranked multiple design options and have undergone a series of tests. Their feedback will be crucial to create an optimal design.

B. Testing

Before designing, it is important to gather information on the client. Thus, two testing scenarios were created to collect data on head/neck force and motion. To gain information about the motion of the head/neck as it moves from the upright position through cervical/lateral flexion, inertial measurement units were used. Two sensors were placed on the forehead and neck, and the data was recorded and plotted. A second testing scenario was created to determine the force exerted by the client when they moved from the upright position through cervical/lateral flexion. A strap force sensor, which included a strain gauge, was placed on the client’s forehead and the data was recorded and plotted in a spreadsheet. The tests will be repeated once the device is developed, to evaluate improvement in these areas.

C. Designing

The design process has included reviewing literature, hosting a parallel design session and independently designing. To ensure the device addresses the issues that the client experiences with other assistive devices, it is important to understand the field of head and neck support devices. From the QFD, a presentation was created and shared with members of the Building Devices and Assistive Technology Laboratory. This provided them with adequate information to create design ideas during a parallel design session. A large portion of designing has been conducted by the primary researcher.

3. CONCLUSIONS

Co-design will be prioritized throughout the duration of this project, to optimize the device. This device will allow children with CP to sit more comfortably and communicate more easily, which will inherently lead to a higher quality of life.

REFERENCES

1. -Y. Park, “Stability of the Gross Motor Function Classification system in children with cerebral palsy for two years,” BMC Neurology, vol. 20, no. 1, 202