Article

Usable myoelectric control relies on secure and intimate contact at
all times between the electrode, the socket and the residual limb. At present,
there is little post-fitting socket adjustment available to prosthetists with
respect to electrode contact security or alignment. Failure to provide secure
electrode contact could result in the development of motion artefacts, poor
prehensor response and subsequent prosthesis non-usage.
OBJECTIVES: To establish
the effect of alteration to electrode contract security and alignment on
prosthesis functionality using a bespoke electrode housing unit. STUDY DESIGN:
This study investigated the effect of electrode contact security and alignment on
upper limb myoelectric prosthesis functionality. METHODS: Four different
electrode housing arrangements were assessed within prosthetic sockets fitted to
six transradial prosthesis subjects using the Southampton Hand Assessment
Procedure, which is a reliable and validated prosthesis functionality assessment
tool. RESULTS: Significantly higher functionality scores were achieved with the
bespoke housing unit compared to when using conventional electrode housings.
CONCLUSION: Myoelectric prosthesis functionality is closely linked to electrode
contact security and to electrode alignment with respect to the residual limb.
Both of these factors can be improved locally using an adjustable electrode
housing unit. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Provision of an electrode housing system that
enables adjustments to be made to electrode orientation can improve prosthesis
functionality, particularly in cases where tight-fitting sockets are not
possible, and/or where the prosthetist may be inexperienced with regard to
myoelectric prosthesis fitting.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS