Grasp specific and user friendly interface design for myoelectric hand prostheses

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Multi-articulated powered hand prostheses are often abandoned due to complex operation.
• Amputees frequently choose simpler devices with fewer, but more reliable, functions.
• Existing EMG-based control methods can be difficult to learn and master for preshape selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a hand prosthesis with a low-complexity user interface for intuitive control.
• To develop an alternative to EMG for preshape selection, focusing on speed and reliability.
• To enable amputees to intuitively and quickly execute intended hand movements for activities of daily living (ADLs).

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous design of a hand prosthesis with a limited grasp set and a simplified user interface.
• Investigation of a button-based control method as an alternative to electromyography (EMG) for preshape selection.
• Experimental comparison of simplified EMG and button control for speed and accuracy in selecting intended preshapes using able-bodied subjects.

Main Results:

• The button control method was significantly faster for successful task completion compared to simplified EMG.
• The button control method showed marginally superior accuracy (success on the first attempt).
• This suggests a simpler, button-based interface can improve prosthesis usability.

Conclusions:

• A simplified hand prosthesis design with a button interface offers a more intuitive and reliable control method for amputees.
• This approach addresses the high abandonment rates associated with complex powered prostheses.
• The findings support the development of user-friendly prosthetic control systems for enhanced daily living.