HeadUp Evaluation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of a novel cervical orthosis to support neck weakness due to neurological disease (Head up)
IRAS ID
92176
Contact name
Christopher McDermott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Many people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) develop weak neck muscles, leading to pain and restricted movement, as well as problems with swallowing, breathing and communication. Ideally a head support would help to alleviate these problems.
However we have found that head supports currently available are of limited use for people with MND, and are often rejected by them.
We have developed a new head support called ‘HeadUp’ in collaboration with people living with MND, their families and MND healthcare professionals. In this phase of the project, 20 users will be recruited to use and evaluate the new device over a four week period.
Participants will be provided with a HeadUp support and asked to complete a range of questionnaires and undergo an interview about their neck weakness and the new collar.
The purpose of the study is to establish if the new collar is acceptable to people living with MND and if it meets their identified needs.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0270
Date of REC Opinion
29 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion