A Myoelectric Postural Control Algorithm for Persons With Transradial Amputations: A Consideration of Clinical Readiness.

BACKGROUND: The bottleneck in upper limb prosthetic design is the myoelectric control algorithm. Here we studied the clinical readiness of the myoelectric postural control algorithm in a laboratory setting with two trans-radial amputees using a commercially available prosthetic limb system. TECHNIQUE: The postural control algorithm was integrated into prosthetic limb systems using standard of care components. A comparison between a commercial state of the art system (the i-limb revolution state-based myoelectric controller) and the postural controller was performed with two people with trans-radial amputation using a self-contained prosthesis system. DISCUSSION: The performance using the i-limb revolution state-based controller versus the postural controller was mixed based on the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure. The SHAP scores indicate that the postural controller with i-limb revolution provided an average of 66% of hand function compared to an intact limb. Future work will study the advantages of the postural control algorithm in everyday use.