scholarly journals Differential experiences of embodiment between body-powered and myoelectric prosthesis users

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susannah M. Engdahl ◽  
Sean K. Meehan ◽  
Deanna H. Gates

Abstract Prosthesis embodiment, the perception of a prosthesis as part of one’s body, may be an important component of functional recovery for individuals with upper limb absence. This work determined whether embodiment differs between body-powered and myoelectric prosthesis users. In a sample of nine individuals with transradial limb absence, embodiment was quantified using a survey regarding prosthesis ownership and agency. The extent to which the prosthesis affected the body schema, the representation of the body’s dimensions, was assessed using limb length estimation. Because body-powered prostheses offer proprioceptive feedback that myoelectric prostheses do not, it was hypothesized that both measures would reveal stronger embodiment of body-powered prostheses. However, our results did not show differences across the two prosthesis designs. Instead, body schema was influenced by several patient-specific characteristics, including the cause of limb absence (acquired or congenital) and hours of daily prosthesis wear. These results indicate that regular prosthesis wear and embodiment are connected, regardless of the actual prosthesis design. Identifying whether embodiment is a direct consequence of regular prosthesis use would offer insight on how individuals with limb absence could modify their behavior to more fully embody their prosthesis.

2001 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Routhier ◽  
C. Vincent ◽  
M-J. Morissette ◽  
L. Desaulniers

This study was designed to investigate the satisfaction level of young users of myoelectric prostheses who received an upper limb myoelectric prosthesis, to assess their dropout rate and to identify which factors influence the use or non-use of the upper limb myoelectric prosthesis in the eastern part of Quebec (Canada). The users were fitted between 1990 and 1999 at the Quebec Rehabilitation Institute, a major rehabilitation centre located in the province of Quebec. This rehabilitation centre provides cutting-edge expertise not only for the eastern part of Quebec, but also across the entire province, because it is one of only two highly specialised centres serving all of Quebec.A literature review was completed to compile the results obtained in other rehabilitation centres and to identify factors influencing the use or non-use of paediatric upper limb myoelectric prostheses. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) was used in order to assess the degree to which the children were satisfied with their prostheses.Eighteen (18) children were fitted and trained to use an upper limb myoelectric prosthesis. A total of 10 children and parents agreed to participate. Some 80% of participants said that they were satisfied with their prostheses. A dropout rate of 53% for the overall group (participants and non-participants) seems high compared with that of other studies. Recommendations linked to factors identified in the literature are made. The authors conclude that a multidisciplinary team and structured training and follow-up can improve the clinical results pertaining to all the factors proposed in the literature.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather E. Williams ◽  
Craig S. Chapman ◽  
Patrick M. Pilarski ◽  
Albert H. Vette ◽  
Jacqueline S. Hebert

Abstract 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 compare compensatory movement strategies, measured by hand and upper body kinematics, of twelve non-disabled individuals wearing a simulated prosthesis to those of three individuals with transradial amputation using their custom-fitted myoelectric devices. Methods: Motion capture was used to obtain kinematic data as participants performed a standardized functional task. Performance metrics, end effector movements and angular kinematics were analyzed. Results: Results show that participants using a simulated or actual myoelectric prosthesis had similar differences in phase durations, hand velocities, hand trajectories, movement units, grip aperture plateaus, and trunk and shoulder motion when compared to normative behaviour. Conclusions: This study suggests that the use of a simulated device in upper limb research offers a reasonable approximation of compensatory movement strategies employed by a novice to mid-skilled transradial myoelectric prosthesis user.


Author(s):  
Heather E. Williams ◽  
Craig S. Chapman ◽  
Patrick M. Pilarski ◽  
Albert H. Vette ◽  
Jacqueline S. Hebert

Abstract 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.


1994 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 659-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. DATTA ◽  
J. E. KINGSTON

Two cases of Poland’s syndrome are reported in whom myoelectric prostheses have been used. The rare congenital sporadic disorder of Poland’s syndrome characterized by absence of pectoralis major and varying degrees of ipsilateral upper limb deficiency has been reported by various authors (Rasjad and Sutiaksa, 1991, Gausewitz et al, 1984; David, 1982; Ireland et al, 1976). Management of the upper limb deficiency depends on the degree of functional and cosmetic disability. We report two cases of Poland’s syndrome where myoelectric prostheses have been successfully used. We have been unable to find any published report of the use of a myoelectric prosthesis in Poland’s syndrome.


Author(s):  
Vikas V. Gaikwad ◽  
Abasaheb B. Patil ◽  
Madhuri V. Gaikwad

Scaffolds are used for drug delivery in tissue engineering as this system is a highly porous structure to allow tissue growth.  Although several tissues in the body can regenerate, other tissue such as heart muscles and nerves lack regeneration in adults. However, these can be regenerated by supplying the cells generated using tissue engineering from outside. For instance, in many heart diseases, there is need for heart valve transplantation and unfortunately, within 10 years of initial valve replacement, 50–60% of patients will experience prosthesis associated problems requiring reoperation. This could be avoided by transplantation of heart muscle cells that can regenerate. Delivery of these cells to the respective tissues is not an easy task and this could be done with the help of scaffolds. In situ gel forming scaffolds can also be used for the bone and cartilage regeneration. They can be injected anywhere and can take the shape of a tissue defect, avoiding the need for patient specific scaffold prefabrication and they also have other advantages. Scaffolds are prepared by biodegradable material that result in minimal immune and inflammatory response. Some of the very important issues regarding scaffolds as drug delivery systems is reviewed in this article.


2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R Dawson ◽  
Farbod Fahimi ◽  
Jason P Carey

The objective of above-elbow myoelectric prostheses is to reestablish the functionality of missing limbs and increase the quality of life of amputees. By using electromyography (EMG) electrodes attached to the surface of the skin, amputees are able to control motors in myoelectric prostheses by voluntarily contracting the muscles of their residual limb. This work describes the development of an inexpensive myoelectric training tool (MTT) designed to help upper limb amputees learn how to use myoelectric technology in advance of receiving their actual myoelectric prosthesis. The training tool consists of a physical and simulated robotic arm, signal acquisition hardware, controller software, and a graphical user interface. The MTT improves over earlier training systems by allowing a targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) patient to control up to two degrees of freedom simultaneously. The training tool has also been designed to function as a research prototype for novel myoelectric controllers. A preliminary experiment was performed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the MTT as a learning tool and to identify any issues with the system. Five able-bodied participants performed a motor-learning task using the EMG controlled robotic arm with the goal of moving five balls from one box to another as quickly as possible. The results indicate that the subjects improved their skill in myoelectric control over the course of the trials. A usability survey was administered to the subjects after their trials. Results from the survey showed that the shoulder degree of freedom was the most difficult to control.


Author(s):  
Rajendra Pai N. ◽  
U. Govindaraju

Ayurveda in its principle has given importance to individualistic approach rather than generalize. Application of this examination can be clearly seem like even though two patients suffering from same disease, the treatment modality may change depending upon the results of Dashvidha Pariksha. Prakruti and Pramana both used in Dashvidha Pariksha. Both determine the health of the individual and Bala (strength) of Rogi (Patient). Ayurveda followed Swa-angula Pramana as the unit of measurement for measuring the different parts of the body which is prime step assessing patient before treatment. Sushruta and Charaka had stated different Angula Pramana of each Pratyanga (body parts). Specificity is the characteristic property of Swa-angula Pramana. This can be applicable in present era for example artificial limbs. A scientific research includes collection, compilation, analysis and lastly scrutiny of entire findings to arrive at a conclusion. Study of Pramana and its relation with Prakruti was conducted in 1000 volunteers using Prakruti Parkishan proforma with an objective of evaluation of Anguli Pramana in various Prakriti. It was observed co-relating Pramana in each Prakruti and Granthokta Pramana that there is no vast difference in measurement of head, upper limb and lower limb. The observational study shows closer relation of features with classical texts.


Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (23) ◽  
pp. 5209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Gonzalez-Rodriguez ◽  
Jose L. Ramon ◽  
Vicente Morell ◽  
Gabriel J. Garcia ◽  
Jorge Pomares ◽  
...  

The main goal of this study is to evaluate how to optimally select the best vibrotactile pattern to be used in a closed loop control of upper limb myoelectric prostheses as a feedback of the exerted force. To that end, we assessed both the selection of actuation patterns and the effects of the selection of frequency and amplitude parameters to discriminate between different feedback levels. A single vibrotactile actuator has been used to deliver the vibrations to subjects participating in the experiments. The results show no difference between pattern shapes in terms of feedback perception. Similarly, changes in amplitude level do not reflect significant improvement compared to changes in frequency. However, decreasing the number of feedback levels increases the accuracy of feedback perception and subject-specific variations are high for particular participants, showing that a fine-tuning of the parameters is necessary in a real-time application to upper limb prosthetics. In future works, the effects of training, location, and number of actuators will be assessed. This optimized selection will be tested in a real-time proportional myocontrol of a prosthetic hand.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitry M. Davydov ◽  
Andrey Boev ◽  
Stas Gorbunov

AbstractSituational or persistent body fluid deficit (i.e., de- or hypo-hydration) is considered a significant health risk factor. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) has been suggested as an alternative to less reliable subjective and biochemical indicators of hydration status. The present study aimed to compare various BIA models in the prediction of direct measures of body compartments associated with hydration/osmolality. Fish (n = 20) was selected as a biological model for physicochemically measuring proximate body compartments associated with hydration such as water, dissolved proteins, and non-osseous minerals as the references or criterion points. Whole-body and segmental/local impedance measures were used to investigate a pool of BIA models, which were compared by Akaike Information Criterion in their ability to accurately predict the body components. Statistical models showed that ‘volumetric-based’ BIA measures obtained in parallel, such as distance2/Rp, could be the best approach in predicting percent of body moisture, proteins, and minerals in the whole-body schema. However, serially-obtained BIA measures, such as the ratio of the reactance to resistance and the resistance adjusted for distance between electrodes, were the best fitting in predicting the compartments in the segmental schema. Validity of these results should be confirmed on humans before implementation in practice.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document