Myoelectric prostheses: state of the art

The following is a brief introduction to powered prosthetics and myoelectric control. This paper reviews the present availability and clinical impact of myoelectric prostheses. A significant observation is that these systems have reached a sufficient degree of maturity that they are accepted by many health-care funding agencies as reasonable and cost-effective components of the rehabilitation process. The limitations of both the mechanical systems and the myoelectric controls are discussed in some detail, from the viewpoint of the potential user. Finally, an overview is given of current research in this field with comments on probable directions of development.