Myo-Hand XP: User-Centered Co-Design, Clinical Implementation, and Commercial Translation of an Immersive Virtual...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Myoelectric prostheses require intensive training, often leading to high abandonment rates.
• Virtual Reality (VR) offers a more engaging alternative for prosthesis training.
• Existing VR training solutions are primarily research-based.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the user-centered co-design, development, clinical implementation, and commercialization of Myo-Hand XP.
• To introduce the first commercial immersive VR intervention for myoelectric prosthesis training.
• To share insights on translating research into a viable commercial product.

Main Methods:

• Iterative co-design process involving 60 multinational stakeholders.
• Development stages: problem-idea validation, Proof of Concept (PoC), Research Prototype.
• Clinical pilots with 20 individuals with limb loss and 6 clinicians.

Main Results:

• Myo-Hand XP is the first commercial VR myoelectric prosthesis training intervention, registered and marketed in 2023.
• Clinical pilots showed increased patient motivation, confidence, and value of early functional training.
• Identified challenges: setup complexity and sensor ergonomics; addressed in commercial release.

Conclusions:

• Myo-Hand XP successfully translates research into a clinically viable and commercial VR rehabilitation tool.
• User-centered design and iterative feedback were crucial for product refinement.
• Ongoing development focuses on usability, expanded features, and further clinical validation.