-
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and... 2015The choice of a myoelectric or body-powered upper-limb prosthesis can be determined using factors including control, function, feedback, cosmesis, and rejection.... (Review)
Review
The choice of a myoelectric or body-powered upper-limb prosthesis can be determined using factors including control, function, feedback, cosmesis, and rejection. Although body-powered and myoelectric control strategies offer unique functions, many prosthesis users must choose one. A systematic review was conducted to determine differences between myoelectric and body-powered prostheses to inform evidence-based clinical practice regarding prescription of these devices and training of users. A search of 9 databases identified 462 unique publications. Ultimately, 31 of them were included and 11 empirical evidence statements were developed. Conflicting evidence has been found in terms of the relative functional performance of body-powered and myoelectric prostheses. Body-powered prostheses have been shown to have advantages in durability, training time, frequency of adjustment, maintenance, and feedback; however, they could still benefit from improvements of control. Myoelectric prostheses have been shown to improve cosmesis and phantom-limb pain and are more accepted for light=intensity work. Currently, evidence is insufficient to conclude that either system provides a significant general advantage. Prosthetic selection should be based on a patient's individual needs and include personal preferences, prosthetic experience, and functional needs. This work demonstrates that there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding functional differences in upper-limb prostheses.
Topics: Amputees; Arm; Artificial Limbs; Biomedical Engineering; Electromyography; Humans; Prosthesis Design
PubMed: 26230500
DOI: 10.1682/JRRD.2014.08.0192 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Feb 2024Over the past years, the field of prosthetics and orthotics has seen incredible innovations that used to be perceived as science fiction. This editorial aims to shed...
Over the past years, the field of prosthetics and orthotics has seen incredible innovations that used to be perceived as science fiction. This editorial aims to shed light on such exciting developments, exploring how they are addressing the challenges faced by individuals with limb impairments and musculoskeletal conditions.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Limbs; Prosthesis Implantation; Orthotic Devices; Extremities
PubMed: 38347514
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07246-y -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Jul 2023Osseointegrated implants is a surgical treatment permitting a direct skeletal attachment of an external prosthesis. It is a treatment for healthy transfemoral amputated... (Review)
Review
Osseointegrated implants is a surgical treatment permitting a direct skeletal attachment of an external prosthesis. It is a treatment for healthy transfemoral amputated patients who cannot tolerate or use a socket prosthesis, thereby alleviating related issues with poor fit, skin problems or discomfort. This review provides a summary of the indications and contraindications for surgery, the most common implants and reported outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Amputees; Prosthesis Design; Artificial Limbs; Prosthesis Implantation; Osseointegration; Femur; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37539803
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... May 2021Research studies on upper limb prosthesis function often rely on the use of simulated myoelectric prostheses (attached to and operated by individuals with intact limbs),...
BACKGROUND
Research studies on upper limb prosthesis function often rely on the use of simulated myoelectric prostheses (attached to and operated by individuals with intact limbs), primarily to increase participant sample size. However, it is not known if these devices elicit the same movement strategies as myoelectric prostheses (operated by individuals with amputation). The objective of this study was to address the question of whether non-disabled individuals using simulated prostheses employ the same compensatory movements (measured by hand and upper body kinematics) as individuals who use actual myoelectric prostheses.
METHODS
The upper limb movements of two participant groups were investigated: (1) twelve non-disabled individuals wearing a simulated prosthesis, and (2) three individuals with transradial amputation using their custom-fitted myoelectric devices. Motion capture was used for data collection while participants performed a standardized functional task. Performance metrics, hand movements, and upper body angular kinematics were calculated. For each participant group, these measures were compared to those from a normative baseline dataset. Each deviation from normative movement behaviour, by either participant group, indicated that compensatory movements were used during task performance.
RESULTS
Results show that participants using either a simulated or actual myoelectric prosthesis exhibited similar deviations from normative behaviour in phase durations, hand velocities, hand trajectories, number of movement units, grip aperture plateaus, and trunk and shoulder ranges of motion.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that the use of a simulated prosthetic device in upper limb research offers a reasonable approximation of compensatory movements employed by a low- to moderately-skilled transradial myoelectric prosthesis user.
Topics: Adult; Amputation, Surgical; Artificial Limbs; Biomechanical Phenomena; Female; Humans; Male; Motor Activity; Movement; Prosthesis Design; Range of Motion, Articular; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 33933105
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00855-x -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... May 2022The inability of users to directly and intuitively control their state-of-the-art commercial prosthesis contributes to a low device acceptance rate. Since... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The inability of users to directly and intuitively control their state-of-the-art commercial prosthesis contributes to a low device acceptance rate. Since Electromyography (EMG)-based control has the potential to address those inabilities, research has flourished on investigating its incorporation in microprocessor-controlled lower limb prostheses (MLLPs). However, despite the proposed benefits of doing so, there is no clear explanation regarding the absence of a commercial product, in contrast to their upper limb counterparts.
OBJECTIVE AND METHODOLOGIES
This manuscript aims to provide a comparative overview of EMG-driven control methods for MLLPs, to identify their prospects and limitations, and to formulate suggestions on future research and development. This is done by systematically reviewing academical studies on EMG MLLPs. In particular, this review is structured by considering four major topics: (1) type of neuro-control, which discusses methods that allow the nervous system to control prosthetic devices through the muscles; (2) type of EMG-driven controllers, which defines the different classes of EMG controllers proposed in the literature; (3) type of neural input and processing, which describes how EMG-driven controllers are implemented; (4) type of performance assessment, which reports the performance of the current state of the art controllers.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
The obtained results show that the lack of quantitative and standardized measures hinders the possibility to analytically compare the performances of different EMG-driven controllers. In relation to this issue, the real efficacy of EMG-driven controllers for MLLPs have yet to be validated. Nevertheless, in anticipation of the development of a standardized approach for validating EMG MLLPs, the literature suggests that combining multiple neuro-controller types has the potential to develop a more seamless and reliable EMG-driven control. This solution has the promise to retain the high performance of the currently employed non-EMG-driven controllers for rhythmic activities such as walking, whilst improving the performance of volitional activities such as task switching or non-repetitive movements. Although EMG-driven controllers suffer from many drawbacks, such as high sensitivity to noise, recent progress in invasive neural interfaces for prosthetic control (bionics) will allow to build a more reliable connection between the user and the MLLPs. Therefore, advancements in powered MLLPs with integrated EMG-driven control have the potential to strongly reduce the effects of psychosomatic conditions and musculoskeletal degenerative pathologies that are currently affecting lower limb amputees.
Topics: Amputees; Artificial Limbs; Electromyography; Humans; Walking
PubMed: 35526003
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01019-1 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Feb 2016Amputation of a limb is always perceived as a catastrophe. The principles underlying creation of a stump adapted to modern prosthetic fittings must be fully understood... (Review)
Review
Amputation of a limb is always perceived as a catastrophe. The principles underlying creation of a stump adapted to modern prosthetic fittings must be fully understood and the patient managed by a multidisciplinary team. In paediatric patients, preserving residual limb length is a crucial point that should be assessed according to the expected growth potential. Advances in prosthetic fittings have led to changes in the overall concept of socket design, which seeks to achieve three objectives: to maximise the weight-bearing surface area, to eliminate friction of the skin on the socket, and to eliminate lever-arm effects. The introduction on the market of new materials has contributed substantially to advances in prosthetic fittings. These advances require the use of new criteria for stump quality and optimisation, which exert a considerable influence on prosthesis function. Prosthetic fitting and specific management of psychological and social problems are provided during an inpatient stay in a physical medicine department, by a team of physicians, other healthcare professionals, social workers, and educators. Three-dimensional imaging and gait analysis provide valuable information.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Amputation Stumps; Artificial Limbs; Biomechanical Phenomena; Child; Gait; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Lower Extremity; Prosthesis Design; Prosthesis Fitting; Weight-Bearing
PubMed: 26797004
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2015.03.020 -
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation... Nov 2022Research into prosthesis training and design puts a burden on the small population of people with upper-limb absence who can participate in these studies. One solution... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Research into prosthesis training and design puts a burden on the small population of people with upper-limb absence who can participate in these studies. One solution is to use a prosthetic hand simulator, which allows for attaching a hand prosthesis to an intact limb. However, whether the results of prosthesis simulator studies can be translated to people with upper-limb absence using a hand prosthesis is unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on prosthetic hand simulators, provide an overview of current designs, and highlight the differences and similarities between prosthesis simulators and traditional prostheses.
METHODS
A Boolean combination of keywords was used to search 3 electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Relevant articles in English were selected.
RESULTS
In total, 52 papers were included in the review, and an overview of the state of the art was presented. We identified the key differences between prosthesis simulators and traditional prostheses as the position of the terminal device and the available degrees of freedom of the arm and (prosthetic) wrist.
CONCLUSIONS
This paper provides an overview of prosthesis simulator designs over the past 27 years and an overview of the similarities and differences between prosthesis simulators and prostheses. The literature does not provide enough evidence to establish whether the results obtained from simulator studies could be translated to prostheses. A recommendation for future simulator design is to constrain pro- and supination of the forearm of anatomically intact participants and add a prosthetic wrist that can pro- and supinate. Additional research is required to find the ideal terminal device position for a prosthesis simulator with respect to the person's hand.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Limbs; Upper Extremity; Hand; Wrist
PubMed: 35091112
DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2022.101635 -
Journal of Neural Engineering Sep 2022Electrical stimulation can induce sensation in the phantom limb of individuals with amputation. It is difficult to generalize existing findings as there are many... (Review)
Review
Electrical stimulation can induce sensation in the phantom limb of individuals with amputation. It is difficult to generalize existing findings as there are many approaches to delivering stimulation and to assessing the characteristics and benefits of sensation. Therefore, the goal of this systematic review was to explore the stimulation parameters that effectively elicited referred sensation, the qualities of elicited sensation, and how the utility of referred sensation was assessed.We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Engineering Village through January of 2022 to identify relevant papers. We included papers which electrically induced referred sensation in individuals with limb loss and excluded papers that did not contain stimulation parameters or outcome measures pertaining to stimulation. We extracted information on participant demographics, stimulation approaches, and participant outcomes.After applying exclusion criteria, 49 papers were included covering nine stimulation methods. Amplitude was the most commonly adjusted parameter (= 25), followed by frequency (= 22), and pulse width (= 15). Of the 63 reports of sensation quality, most reported feelings of pressure (= 52), paresthesia (= 48), or vibration (= 40) while less than half (= 29) reported a sense of position or movement. Most papers evaluated the functional benefits of sensation (= 33) using force matching or object identification tasks, while fewer papers quantified subjective measures (= 16) such as pain or embodiment. Only 15 studies (36%) observed percept intensity, quality, or location over multiple sessions.Most studies that measured functional performance demonstrated some benefit to providing participants with sensory feedback. However, few studies could experimentally manipulate sensation location or quality. Direct comparisons between studies were limited by variability in methodologies and outcome measures. As such, we offer recommendations to aid in more standardized reporting for future research.
Topics: Amputees; Artificial Limbs; Feedback, Sensory; Humans; Phantom Limb; Sensation
PubMed: 36001115
DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac8c38 -
International Journal of Rehabilitation... Jun 2022Following a transtibial amputation (TTA), physical activity has known benefits for health and quality of life. Adults post-TTA, however, demonstrate reduced physical...
Following a transtibial amputation (TTA), physical activity has known benefits for health and quality of life. Adults post-TTA, however, demonstrate reduced physical activity, predisposing them to adverse health outcomes. Identifying adults at the risk of sedentarism post-TTA via commonly used, objective clinical measures may enhance clinical decisions, including prosthesis prescription. The study's purpose was to determine whether residual and sound limb hip strength distinguishes between sedentary and nonsedentary adults post-TTA. A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional dataset (n = 44) was conducted. Participant residual and sound limb hip flexion, extension, abduction and adduction strength were assessed via handheld dynamometry. Physical activity was monitored for 7 days and participants were classified as sedentary (<5000 steps/day; n = 13) or nonsedentary (≥5000 steps/day; n = 31). Receiver operating curves revealed that residual and sound limb hip extension, abduction and adduction strength distinguished between sedentary and nonsedentary adults post-TTA (P < 0.050). Preliminary cut-points for hip strength measures to classify adults at the risk of sedentarism were determined. A hip strength composite score (0-6) estimates a 2.2× increased odds of being sedentary with each additional hip strength deficit. Post-TTA, residual and sound limb hip strength can help identify adults at risk of sedentarism to aid clinical decision making, including prosthesis prescription.
Topics: Adult; Amputation, Surgical; Artificial Limbs; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35131977
DOI: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000520 -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... May 2022After amputation, many people become less active, feel lonely and lose independence. Understanding the factors associated with low physical activity levels and... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
After amputation, many people become less active, feel lonely and lose independence. Understanding the factors associated with low physical activity levels and participation could contribute to defining key interventions which can support prosthesis users so they can live a more active and socially included lifestyle. This longitudinal observational study aims to assess relationships between physical activity, community participation, prosthetic fit, comfort and user satisfaction using actimetry, 3D scans and questionnaires in a Cambodian cohort of established lower limb prosthesis users.
METHODS
Twenty participants (5F:15M, nine transfemoral, eleven transtibial, 24-60 years old and 3-43 years since amputation) were recruited. They completed a questionnaire which included their demographics, community participation, prosthesis satisfaction and comfort at the start of the study, and between three and six months later. Their prosthetic sockets and residual limbs were 3D scanned at the start and end of the study. Accelerometers were embedded under the cosmesis on the shank of the prosthesis, to collect ten weeks of activity data.
RESULTS
Participants averaged 4470 steps/day (743-7315 steps/day), and wore their prosthesis for most waking hours, averaging 13.4 h/day (4.5-17.6 h/day). Self-reported measures of activity and hours of wear correlated with these accelerometer data (Spearman's rho r = 0.59, and r = 0.71, respectively). Participants who were more active wore their prosthesis for more hours/day (Pearson r = 0.73) and were more satisfied with socket fit (r = 0.49). A longer residual limb correlated with better community participation (r = 0.56) and comfort (r = 0.56). Self-reported community participation did not correlate with a person's activity level (r = 0.13), or their prosthesis comfort (r = 0.19), and there was only weak correlation between how important the activity was to an individual, and how often they participated in it (r = 0.37). A simple 0-10 scale of overall comfort did not provide enough detail to understand the types and severity of discomfort experienced.
CONCLUSION
Associations between perceived and measured activity levels correlated with socket satisfaction in this cohort of people with established lower limb amputations. The small sample size means these correlations should be interpreted with caution, but they indicate variables worthy of further study to understand barriers to community engagement and physical activity for prosthesis users in Cambodia, and potentially in other settings.
Topics: Adult; Amputation Stumps; Artificial Limbs; Asian People; Cohort Studies; Community Participation; Humans; Middle Aged; Young Adult
PubMed: 35501879
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01021-7