Abstract
Poly-articulated hands, actuated by multiple motors and controlled by surface myoelectric technologies, represent the most advanced aids among commercial prostheses. However, simple hook-like body-powered solutions are still preferred for their robustness and control reliability, especially for challenging environments (such as those encountered in manual work or developing countries). This study presents the mechatronic implementation and the usability assessment of the SoftHand Pro-Hybrid, a family of poly-articulated, electrically-actuated, and body-controlled artificial hands, which combines the main advantages of both body-powered and myoelectric systems in a single device. An assessment of the proposed system is performed with individuals with and without limb loss, using as a benchmark the SoftHand Pro, which shares the same soft mechanical architecture, but is controlled using surface electromyographic sensors. Results indicate comparable task performance between the two control methods and suggest the potential of the SoftHand Pro-Hybrid configurations as a viable alternative to myoelectric control, especially in work and demanding environments.
Highlights
Upper limb loss is disproportionately found in developing countries with trauma and war as the most common causes (World Health Organization, 2004)
In Piazza et al (2017), we presented the concept of the SoftHand Pro-Hybrid (SHPH), to combine the easy-to-use control of a body-powered prosthesis with the power available from an electric terminal device
This phenomenon could be reflected in the Box and Blocks Test (BBT) results for the Hardy Configuration compared to the Compact: the slower hand could mask some of the variability seen between subjects with the Compact Configuration
Summary
Upper limb loss is disproportionately found in developing countries with trauma and war as the most common causes (World Health Organization, 2004). While disease is a frequent cause, upper limb loss globally tends to affect a younger, working-age population (van der Sluis et al, 2009). A 1985 study found that 75% of persons with amputation (upper, lower, and multiple) change occupation group when they return to the work-force post-amputation, moving from machining, processing, fabrication, and construction to service, clerical, and sales (Millstein et al, 1986). Only 21% returned to their pre-amputation job and more than half noted negative repercussions on career potential following amputation (Millstein et al, 1986). A recent literature review (Darter et al, 2018) found that data on returning to work post-amputation varies greatly (48–89% of individuals) but that returning to one’s previous position continues to be rare and less frequent for manual rather than office work
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