Design and fabrication of a passive-function, cylindrical grasp terminal device

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Upper extremity amputees face challenges with grasping cylindrical tools.
• Recreational activities like kayaking require stable hand-eye coordination and grip.
• Existing prosthetic terminal devices may not adequately support specific activities like paddling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel prosthetic terminal device for recreational kayak paddling.
• To assess the device's ability to provide a stable grasp on a kayak paddle.
• To determine the usability and effectiveness of the device for upper extremity amputees.

Main Methods:

• Development of a semi-hinged, two hemi-cylinder sleeve device attached to a prosthesis.
• Testing with a pseudo-prosthesis on a non-amputee subject for initial evaluation.
• Qualitative feedback and functional testing with a unilateral transradial amputee in pool and river environments.

Main Results:

• The device allowed successful donning and independent use by both non-amputee and amputee subjects.
• The prosthetic design facilitated smooth paddle rotation while preventing lateral shift and maintaining grasp.
• Subjects could effectively use the device for kayak paddling.

Conclusions:

• The developed prosthetic device is a viable solution for enabling upper extremity amputees to kayak.
• The design offers a passive function terminal device for cylindrical grasps.
• The device shows adaptability for other cylindrical grasp applications, such as weight lifting.