A User-Driven Approach to Prosthetic Upper Limb Development in Korea.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Increasing prevalence of amputations necessitates advanced assistive devices.
• Prosthetic arms offer functional restoration and improved quality of life for upper limb amputees.
• User-centered design is crucial for effective prosthetic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify user requirements for upper limb prosthetics.
• Determine key considerations in prosthetic selection.
• Inform the development of user-centered prosthetic arms.

Main Methods:

• Questionnaire survey administered to upper limb amputees.
• Data collected from individuals visiting rehabilitation centers and orthosis companies.
• Results analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests.

Main Results:

• Discomfort (wear, weight, detachment) and design/function issues are primary reasons for prosthesis abandonment.
• Prosthesis color and design are significant factors in user choice.
• Users require diverse prosthetics for specific activities (sports, daily use) and face challenges with tasks like buttoning and using chopsticks.

Conclusions:

• Developing prosthetic arms with varied functions tailored to user needs and situations is essential.
• Addressing user-reported discomfort and functional limitations can improve prosthetic acceptance and efficacy.
• User-centered design principles are vital for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with upper limb amputations.