The Solid Suit: Wearable support for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
Duchenne UK has made a grant of $200,000 to help support the Solid Suit program.
Solid Biosciences is working with Seismic, a powered clothing company, on developing soft, wearable, assistive clothing which could help patients with DMD with movement.
We hope wearable assistive devices could help those with DMD perform day-to-day activities with greater ease. The devices use cutting-edge military technologies.
The wearable assistive devices could provide a power boost to patient’s movements without worsening the underlying muscle weakness and progression of inflammation.
The project looks at a series of complementary components to make the assistive devices modular. Solid Biosciences hope that this strategy will allow users to mix and match components according to their individual needs.
These components include:
STRETCH:
Ankle stretch-assist system designed to deliver correct stretching biomechanics at the ankle in a comfortable wearable system.
MOBILITY
Middle body support: Designed to provide trunk and hip support while supporting various movements with lower body (e.g. legs) weight-bearing activities.
REACH
System designed to provide functional support and mobilize upper body parts.
The $200,000 grant from Duchenne UK specifically funds the MOBILITY research element of the program.
We would like to thank our partner charities Alex’s Wish, Duchenne Now and Joining Jack and family funds Caring for Connor, Help Harry and Team Felix for supporting this project.
About Duchenne UK
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating muscle-wasting disease. It is the most common and severe form of Muscular Dystrophy. Diagnosed in childhood, it mainly affects boys. There is currently no cure. Started by families affected by the disease, Duchenne UK has one clear aim – to end Duchenne.
Duchenne UK are funding research that’s focused on getting treatments to those affected now – as well as pushing for an effective treatment in the future.
Duchenne UK connects leading researchers with industry, the NHS and patients to challenge every stage of drug development, from research to clinical trials to drug approval. They connect families with each other to create a network of mutual support and to pool resources, knowledge and experience.
How to donate
COVID-19 has caused a funding crisis in medical research. But we cannot, and will not, let it slow us down in our mission to find new and effective treatments for DMD. Because this generation of boys cannot wait. Donate now, and together we will end Duchenne
Duchenne UK is entirely reliant on donations. This can be done via:
Direct Debit – Duchenne Direct
Individual Donation – Donate
If you are a family or friend affected by DMD you can set up your own fund with Duchenne UK – Family and Friend Funds
Take part in one of our fundraising events – Events
Text DUCHENNE to 70085 to donate £5. This costs £5 plus a std rate msg.