Article

To obtain more insight into how the skill level of an upper-limb myoelectric
prosthesis user is composed, the current study aimed to (1) portray prosthetic
handling at different levels of description, (2) relate results of the clinical
level to kinematic measures, and (3) identify specific parameters in these
measures that characterize the skill level of a prosthesis user. Six experienced
transradial myoelectric prosthesis users performed a clinical test (Southampton
Hand Assessment Procedure [SHAP]) and two grasping tasks. Kinematic measures were
end point kinematics, joint angles, grasp force control, and gaze behavior. The
results of the clinical and kinematic measures were in broad agreement with each
other. Participants who scored higher on the SHAP showed overall better
performance on the kinematic measures. They had smaller movement times, had
better grip force control, and needed less visual attention on the hand. The
results showed that time was a key parameter in prosthesis use and should be one
of the main focus aspects of rehabilitation. The insights from this study are
useful in rehabilitation practice because they allow therapists to specifically
focus on certain parameters that may result in a higher level of skill for the
prosthesis user.

Langue : ANGLAIS