Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of, satisfaction with, and social adjustment with
adaptive devices compared with prostheses in young people with upper limb
reduction deficiencies. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 218 young people with
upper limb reduction deficiencies (age range 2-20 years) and their parents. A
questionnaire was used to evaluate participants' characteristics, difficulties
encountered, and preferred solutions for activities, use satisfaction, and social
adjustment with adaptive devices vs prostheses. The Quebec User Evaluation of
Satisfaction with assistive Technology and a subscale of Trinity Amputation and
Prosthesis Experience Scales were used. RESULTS: Of 218 participants, 58% were
boys, 87% had transversal upper limb reduction deficiencies, 76% with
past/present use of adaptive devices and 37% with past/present use of prostheses.
Young people (> 50%) had difficulties in performing activities. Of 360 adaptive
devices, 43% were used for self-care (using cutlery), 28% for mobility (riding a
bicycle) and 5% for leisure activities. Prostheses were used for self-care (4%),
mobility (9%), communication (3%), recreation and leisure (6%) and
work/employment (4%). The preferred solution for difficult activities was using
unaffected and affected arms/hands and other body parts (> 60%), adaptive devices
(< 48%) and prostheses (< 9%). Satisfaction and social adjustment with adaptive
devices were greater than with prostheses (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Young people
with upper limb reduction deficiencies are satisfied and socially well-adjusted
with adaptive devices. Adaptive devices are good alternatives to prostheses.

Langue : ANGLAIS