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.
Funding: NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i)
Sponsor: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
For more information please visit the
UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio
Chief Investigator:
Prof Christopher McDermott
Ms Annette Taylor
University of Sheffield
Royal Hallamshire Hospital
Glossop Road
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S10 2JF
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 (0) 114 222 2289
annette.taylor@sheffield.ac.uk