Article

We explored a new method for simple and accurate control of shoulder movement for
externally powered shoulder disarticulation prostheses with a two-axis joystick.
We tested 10 subjects with intact shoulders and arms to determine the average
amount of shoulder motion and force available to control an electronic input
device. We then applied this information to two different input strategies to
examine their effectiveness: (1) a traditional rocker potentiometer and a pair of
force-sensing resistors and (2) a two-axis joystick. Three nondisabled subjects
and two subjects with shoulder disarticulation amputations attempted to control
an experimental externally powered shoulder using both control strategies. Two
powered arms were tested, one with powered flexion/extension and humeral rotation
and one with powered flexion/extension and adduction/abduction. Overwhelmingly,
the subjects preferred the joystick control, because it was more intuitively
linked with their shoulder movement. Additionally, two motions (one in each axis)
could be controlled simultaneously. This pilot study provides valuable insight
into an effective means of controlling high-level, externally powered prostheses
with a two-axis joystick.

Langue : ANGLAIS