Use of a Low-Cost Robotic Arm Prototype to Facilítate Fee- ding for Patients with Arthrogryposis and Severe Functional Impairment at the Teletón Institute in Puerto Montt: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) face feeding difficulties, often requiring assistance from a third party. Robotic arms that provide greater autonomy in feeding cost approximately $5,000,000 in Chile. The objective is to describe the use of a low-cost robotic arm prototype that replaces the function of an upper limb necessary for feeding patients with AMC. Materials/Patients and Methods: A case report (initially designed as a two-case study) in a quasi-experimental pre-post design without a control group. The case involves a 3-year-old male patient with AMC treated at the Teletón Institute in Puerto Montt, who presented with severe motor functional impairment. In five 60-minute sessions, the participant was instructed to eat 100 g of yogurt using the prototype. Functional independence in eating, with a yogurt-like consistency, was assessed using the WeeFIM guidelines, accor- ding to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). The mean, median, and range of the time spent were calculated. Results: Five sessions were conducted: one for evaluation and adjustments, and four for training. Only the 3-year-old participant completed the training, reducing the time spent from the second session (26 min.) to the fifth (6 min.) (x = 19 min.). The WeeFIM assessment improved from an initial score of 3, with moderate assistance, to 5, with supervision and a yogurt-like consistency, according to the IDDSI. The results of the second participant were considered exploratory. Conclusions: According to the WeeFIM guidelines, the robotic arm prototype improved independence with yogurt-like consistency foods. Its cost does not exceed 6% of the alternatives available on the market.