Simultaneous control of multiple functions of bionic hand prostheses: Performance and robustness in end users

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Prosthetics Control

Background:

• Current myoelectric hand prostheses use limited control schemes, restricting users to single-function activation.
• Advanced control techniques often lack reliability in real-world conditions, hindering clinical adoption.
• Simultaneous and proportional control of multiple prosthesis functions is a significant unmet need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a novel regression-based control approach for simultaneous, proportional control of two degrees of freedom in myoelectric hand prostheses.
• To assess the reliability and performance of this new control method under conditions simulating daily life activities.
• To compare the effectiveness of the regression-based approach against established clinical control techniques.

Main Methods:

• A regression-based algorithm was developed for simultaneous, proportional control of two degrees of freedom.
• The control system was evaluated on five individuals using myoelectric hand prostheses.
• Testing involved daily life activity simulations, varying arm positions, and repeated assessments across different days to evaluate robustness.

Main Results:

• The regression-based approach demonstrated robustness over multiple days, indicating consistent performance.
• Control was only slightly affected by changes in arm position, suggesting adaptability to user posture.
• The new method outperformed two clinical control approaches in most tested conditions, highlighting its superior efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The implemented regression-based control offers a reliable solution for simultaneous and proportional control of myoelectric hand prostheses.
• This approach enhances prosthesis functionality and usability, potentially improving the quality of life for users.
• The findings support the clinical potential of advanced, robust control strategies for prosthetic devices.