Adaptive equipment use by people with motor neuron disease in Australia: a prospective,observational consecutive cohort study

Purpose: People with motor neuron sisease require adaptive equipment to enhance life quality. This study aimed to examine total and concurrent equipment items prescribed with phenotype consideration.

Methods: A prospective, observational consecutive cohort study was undertaken. Data regarding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised, phenotype, symptom onset and Functional Independence Measure (inpatients only) was recorded. Equipment utilized was coded by therapist as: speech devices; transfer devices; mobility devices (including power wheelchairs); orthoses; activities of daily living equipment; assisted technology and home modification equipment.

Results: Two hundred and seventy-three people with motor neuron disease participated, mean age 67?years, mean amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised score 32, a moderate level of disability. Equipment items per participant ranged from 0 to 20, median 5. The electric lift recliner chair was the most commonly used equipment item, used by 51.2% of the cohort. There was a statistically significant difference in equipment use between flail leg and bulbar (Md 11, 3 items, respectively; p?=?.005), and flail leg and cervical phenotypes (Md 11, 3.5 items respectively; p?=?.009).

Conclusions: People with motor neuron disease have high equipment needs to optimize quality of life. Information regarding phenotype relative to equipment requirement, and most frequently prescribed equipment items can assist health-care providers anticipate equipment needs, burden and intensity for those with motor neuron disease.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• People with motor neuron disease have high concurrent equipment needs.

• Electric recliner lift chairs are the most frequently prescribed equipment item by those with motor neuron disease.

• There is variation in concurrent equipment needs relative to motor neuron disease phenotype.