Evaluation of User-Prosthesis-Interfaces for sEMG-Based Multifunctional Prosthetic Hands

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Complex user interfaces and operating modes of assistive devices, like intelligent prostheses, often lead to patient abandonment.
• This hinders daily living activities for individuals with limb impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a methodology for evaluating the impact of various factors on workload when using upper-limb bionic prostheses.
• To determine the user-friendliness of different prosthetic interfaces for unilateral transradial amputees.
• To compare subjective feedback between limb-impaired and healthy subjects regarding prosthetic use.

Main Methods:

• A standardized 3D-printed terminal device was adapted across different user-prosthesis-interface configurations to ensure consistent testing.
• Workload was evaluated based on diverse aspects of the user interface and operating modes.
• Subjective opinions were collected from both limb-impaired individuals and healthy controls.

Main Results:

• The proposed methodology allows for a systematic evaluation of prosthetic interface usability.
• Comparison between limb-impaired and healthy subjects revealed potential discrepancies in subjective feedback.
• The study provides insights into factors influencing user acceptance and adherence to bionic prostheses.

Conclusions:

• A user-centered approach to prosthetic interface design is crucial for improving patient adherence.
• Further research is needed to understand and address the differing perceptions between user groups.
• This evaluation framework can guide the development of more intuitive and effective upper-limb assistive devices.