Article

Passive linkages were developed to improve grasp functionality and minimize a
prosthetic terminal device's number of user-controlled inputs. The linkages act
to stabilize grasped objects and substitute for the palp of normal anatomical
fingers. The Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure was used to compare the normal
anatomical hand, this prototype, and a commercially available (Hosmer) hook. In
testing, prosthetic terminal devices took three times as long as the normal
anatomical hand to perform tasks. Nevertheless, heavyweight power and spherical
grasps were improved with the use of the new mechanism compared with the
commercial hook. Conversely, precision grasps were worsened because of the lack
of a high-friction surface on the distal end of the prototype.

Langue : ANGLAIS