Spears, Samuel DJ;
(2025)
Development of Bespoke Neck Collars for People Living with Neck Weakness: Integrating Patient Experience, Computational Modelling and Additive Manufacturing.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS) significantly impacts quality of life for people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), characterised as weakened neck extensor muscles that lead to a forward flexed head posture. This condition not only exacerbates physical discomfort but also hinders daily activities such as swallowing, speaking, communication, and maintaining eye contact. This loss of functional independence contributes to increased social isolation and psychological distress. Existing ’off-the-shelf’ neck collars, primarily developed for trauma or postoperative immobilisation, inadequately meet the dynamic supportive needs of individuals with MND. Users frequently report these devices as uncomfortable, overly restrictive, aesthetically unappealing, and ill-fitted for prolonged use. To address these limitations, this thesis explores the development of bespoke 3Dprinted neck collars designed specifically for MND patients experiencing DHS. The research evaluates the effectiveness of technologies such as additive manufacturing and 3D scanning to create custom-fitted, lightweight, and adaptable orthoses. Incorporating anatomical data to ensure optimal ’fit’ and efficacy while investigating focal ’pressure’ points between device and wearer through use of force sensing resistors. This research highlights the necessity of personalised medical devices for managing progressive neurodegenerative conditions like MND. By aligning device design closely with patient experiences and clinical requirements, the thesis paves the way for future innovations in orthotic solutions tailored specifically for complex neuromuscular disorders.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | Development of Bespoke Neck Collars for People Living with Neck Weakness: Integrating Patient Experience, Computational Modelling and Additive Manufacturing |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Copyright © The Author 2025. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. Access may initially be restricted at the author’s request. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Div of Surgery and Interventional Sci |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10218812 |
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