ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the subjects, type, and trend of assistive technology, dependent variables, and assessment tools in studies on upper extremity assistive technology for supporting activities of daily living. Methods: The databases were collected using RISS, KCI, Scopus, and Web of Science. The studies were selected according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flow chart. Finally, fourteen studies were selected for analysis. The selected studies evaluated the level of evidence and the quality of applied methodology using a hierarchy of level of evidence-based practice analysis model and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Case Control Checklist (CASP Case Control Checklist). Results: Of the total studies, 7 were 1-group non-randomized studies with evidence-level 3, and 12 studies met all items in the CASP case control checklist. Six studies applied the upper extremity assistive technology to people with a muscular disease. For the applied assistive technology, arm support was applied in five studies and a robotic arm was used in four studies. More recently, this technology has been fused with advanced technologies such as robotics and 3D printing. The dependent variables for measuring the results of intervention accounted for 31.7% of the upper extremity performance and 29.3% of the upper extremity function. Conclusion: Through this systematic review, we are able to suggest the direction of research and services on upper extremity assistive technology for assisting in activities of daily living. In the future, a study with a high level of evidence should be conducted based on a systematic research design, and the effectiveness of various factors of the use of assistive technology should be verified for users and caregivers.