Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Why does my prosthetic hand not always do what it is told?

Chadwell, AEA; Prince, MJ; Head, JS; Galpin, AJ; Thies, SBA; Kenney, LPJ

Why does my prosthetic hand not always do what it is told? Thumbnail


Authors

AEA Chadwell

MJ Prince

JS Head



Abstract

There are online videos that appear to show electrically powered prosthetic (artificial) hands to be near-perfect replacements for a missing hand. However, for many users, the reality can be quite different. Prosthetic hands do not always respond as expected, which can be frustrating. A prosthetic hand is controlled by muscle signals in the remaining part of the person’s affected arm, using sensors called electrodes. The electrodes are embedded within the socket, which is the part of the prosthetic arm that connects it to the person’s arm. When they activate their muscles, the hand can open, close, or change its grip. If the socket moves, it can pull the electrodes away from the skin. As a result, the muscle activity signaling the person’s intention cannot be properly detected, and the hand will not work very well. In this article, we explain why socket fit may be the most important part of a prosthetic arm.

Citation

Chadwell, A., Prince, M., Head, J., Galpin, A., Thies, S., & Kenney, L. (2022). Why does my prosthetic hand not always do what it is told?. Frontiers for Young Minds, 10, https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2022.786663

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 25, 2022
Online Publication Date Sep 15, 2022
Publication Date Sep 15, 2022
Deposit Date Oct 12, 2022
Publicly Available Date Oct 12, 2022
Journal Frontiers for Young Minds
Print ISSN 2296-6846
Publisher Frontiers Media
Volume 10
DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2022.786663
Publisher URL http://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2022.786663

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations