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A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study
Published on: November 6, 2015
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User-Complexity and Decision-Making in Upper Limb Prosthetic Device Selection: Discrete Choice Measurement Tool
Ruben Vargas1, Todd Castleberry2, Kristin Nalivaika2
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|January 6, 2026
Summary
A new choice-based conjoint tool helps individuals with upper limb amputation (ULA/D) weigh prosthetic risks and benefits. User complexity influences preferences, guiding personalized device selection for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
Background:
- Individuals with upper limb amputation or difference (ULA/D) face complex choices when selecting prosthetic devices.
- Assessing risk-benefit trade-offs is crucial for optimizing prosthetic device selection and user satisfaction.
- Understanding how user complexity influences prosthetic preferences is essential for personalized rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and pilot-test a choice-based conjoint (CBC) tool to assess risk-benefit trade-offs in prosthetic device selection for individuals with ULA/D.
- To explore the influence of user complexity on prosthetic preferences among individuals with ULA/D.
Main Methods:
- A survey-based study employed a choice-based conjoint (CBC) tool with a full-profile, balanced-overlap experimental design.
- Qualitative interviews with individuals with ULA/D and content experts informed attribute selection.
- Pilot testing involved 54 individuals with ULA/D completing the CBC tool, with remote interviews and online survey participation.
Main Results:
- Eight key attributes were identified: functional usefulness, life goals, noticeability, weight/comfort, durability/repairs, concentration/energy, body connection, and training.
- Participants showed a strong preference for precision control via implanted electrodes (62.1%) and highly durable devices (56.0%).
- Preferences varied by user complexity, with moderate-complexity devices favored over low-complexity (70%) and high-complexity (56%) options.
Conclusions:
- The developed CBC tool effectively captures user preferences and risk-benefit trade-offs in prosthetic selection.
- Preliminary findings suggest the tool can guide personalized prosthetic decision-making based on user complexity.
- The study highlights the importance of considering individual user capabilities when selecting prosthetic devices.
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