Functional effectiveness of a myo-electric prosthesis compared with a functional split-hook prosthesis

Abstract

The functional effectiveness of a myo-electric prosthesis with sensory feedback compared with that of a split-hook is described. Thirty independent observations were made on a single subject with a right below-elbow amputation wearing the myo-electric prosthesis and the split-hook prosthesis. Using a first order autoregressive model for making inferences about the two sets of data, the split-hook was found to be functionally better (p<0-001) than the myo-electric prosthesis. Functional effectiveness was defined operationally as scores on the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Placing Test and the Smith Test of Hand Function. No predictions are made regarding the use of either prosthesis for other amputees. However clinical evidence suggested suitability of the myoelectric prosthesis with sensory feedback for some other functional tasks. It is difficult to add new ideas or to be critical concerning the projects proposed by McCoIIough in the April, 1981 issue of Prosthetics and Orthotics International, and therefore, for the most part, this presentation is restricted to amplification of the ideas set forth in that article.