Article

Lack of sensory feedback is a drawback in today's hand prostheses. We
present here a non-invasive simple sensory feedback system, which provides the
user of a prosthetic hand with sensory feedback on the arm stump. It is mediated
by air in a closed loop system connecting silicone pads on the prosthetic hand
with pads on the amputation stump. The silicone pads in a "tactile display" on
the amputation stump expand when their corresponding sensor-bulb in the
prosthesis is touched, evoking an experience of "real touch". Methods: Twelve
trans-radial amputees and 20 healthy non-amputees participated in the study. We
investigated the capacity of the system to mediate detection of touch,
discrimination between different levels of pressure and, on the amputees also,
the ability to locate touch. Results: The results showed a median touch threshold
of 80 and 60 g in amputees and non-amputees, respectively, and 90% and 80%
correct answers, respectively, in discrimination between 2 levels of pressure.
The amputees located touch (3 sites) correctly in 96% of trials. Conclusion: This
simple sensory feedback system has the potential to restore sensory feedback in
hand amputees and thus it could be a useful tool to enhance prosthesis use.

Langue : ANGLAIS