PubMed · 5699998
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
P H Merry, A P Tilp-Zielinski. 1968. Training an amputee.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5699998/
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A novel controller for a multifinger hand prosthesis was developed and tested to measure its accuracy and performance in transducing volitional signals for individual "phantom" fingers. Pneumatic sensors were fabricated from open-cell polymeric foam, and were interposed between the prosthetic socket and superficial extrinsic tendons associated with individual finger flexion. Test subjects were prompted to move individual fingers or combinations thereof to execute either taps or grasps. Sensor outputs were processed by a computer that controlled motions of individual fingers on a mechanical prosthesis. Trials on three upper-limb amputees showed that after brief training sessions, the TAP controller was effective at producing voluntary flexions of individual fingers and grasping motions. Signal energies were between 5 and 25 dB relative to noise from all sources, including adjacent sensors, indicating high degrees of both sensitivity and specificity for tendon-associated transduction. Finger flexions at up to three repetitions per second, and rhythmic tapping of sequential fingers were readily transduced. One amputee subject was able to play a short piano piece with three fingers, at approximately one-quarter normal tempo. TAP sensors responded linearly to graded forces from individual fingers, indicating proportional force control. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of restoring some degree of finger dexterity by noninvasive sensing of extrinsic tendons.
For many patients, the outcome of rehabilitation following amputation depends substantially on comorbidity. This is particularly so where amputation is performed because of peripheral vascular disease which may involve other end-organs, but also applies in trauma where loss of limb may not be the only injury. In evaluating outcome, measures must take account of the very different goals for rehabilitation. These may range from cosmesis or the simple ability to transfer from bed to chair, to successful competition in the Para-Olympics. Rehabilitation programmes for amputees are not simply prosthetic services, but must take account of the whole patient, their goals and ambitions. Research to date has made a contribution in identifying prognostic factors for prosthetic rehabilitation, thus helping to target limited resources. Controlled studies are still required, however, to establish the optimum services to offer to different groups of patients.