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Temporal and spatial goal-directed reaching in upper limb prosthesis users
Christina Lee1, Michael A Gonzalez2, Jiyeon Kang3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Experimental Brain Research
|October 12, 2022
Summary
Prosthetic limb users struggle with real-time movement adjustments, impacting spatial accuracy. However, their ability to perform rapid, goal-directed movements is comparable to intact limbs, especially with frequent goals.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Effective prosthetic limb design requires understanding movement control.
- Goal-directed reaching tasks are crucial for evaluating motor performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the impact of upper limb prosthesis use on goal-directed reaching tasks.
- To compare performance between prosthetic and intact limbs in spatial and temporal tasks.
Main Methods:
- Nine unilateral transradial prosthesis users and nine controls performed spatial and temporal reaching tasks.
- Movement characteristics (accuracy, smoothness, speed) were quantified.
- Goal-equivalent manifold (GEM) and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) were employed.
Main Results:
- Prosthetic movements showed reduced smoothness, accuracy, and peak speed in spatial tasks.
- Temporal tasks revealed similar performance (distance, speed, timing errors) between prosthetic and intact limbs.
- Increased goal frequency improved movement consistency and reduced variability for all limbs.
Conclusions:
- Prosthesis users possess adequate internal models for ballistic movements.
- Limitations exist in executing movements requiring significant online feedback adjustments.
- Findings inform prosthetic design and user training for improved functional outcomes.
