The use of an adjustable electrode housing unit to compare electrode alignment
and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study

Head, JS; Heath, GH; Howard, D; Hutchins, SW; Kenney, LPJ; Aksenov, A

Abstract

Background: 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 these factors can be improved locally using an adjustable electrode housing unit.

Citation

and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 40(1), 123-128. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364614545417

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 17, 2014
• Publication Date: Aug 18, 2014
• Deposit Date: Feb 2, 2015
• Journal: Prosthetics and Orthotics International
• Print ISSN: 0309-3646
• Electronic ISSN: 1746-1553
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 40
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 123-128
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364614545417
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0309364614545417
• Related Public URLs: http://www.uk.sagepub.com/home.nav