Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Engineering Platform and Experimental Protocol for Design and Evaluation of a Neurally-controlled Powered Transfemoral Prosthesis
Published on: July 22, 2014
An experimental apparatus to simulate body-powered prosthetic usage: Development and preliminary evaluation
Fan Gao1, Johanan Rodriguez2, Susan Kapp2
1UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA fan.gao@utsouthwestern.edu.
Background And Aim:
Harness fitting in the body-powered prosthesis remains more art than science due to a lack of consistent and quantitative evaluation. The aim of this study was to develop a mechanical, human-body-shaped apparatus to simulate body-powered upper limb prosthetic usage and evaluate its capability of quantitative examination of harness configuration.
Technique:
The apparatus was built upon a torso of a wooden mannequin and integrated major mechanical joints to simulate terminal device operation. Sensors were used to register cable tension, cable excursion, and grip force simultaneously.
Discussion:
The apparatus allowed the scapula to move up to 127 mm laterally and the load cell can measure the cable tension up to 445 N. Our preliminary evaluation highlighted the needs and importance of investigating harness configurations in a systematic and controllable manner.
Clinical Relevance:
The apparatus allows objective, systematic, and quantitative evaluation of effects of realistic harness configurations and will provide insightful and working knowledge on harness fitting in upper limb amputees using body-powered prosthesis.
