Teleoperation Experimental Comparison With Able-bodied Subjects

Point Designs11 enrolled

Overview

To compare the use of the semi-autonomous control algorithm (condition 1) with the standard of care myoelectric system used with the TASKA prosthetic hand (condition 2). Able bodied subjects will enroll in a laboratory based experimental session at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Subjects will be fitted with a by-pass prosthesis which enables the able-bodied subject to control the prosthetic hand using the myoelectric signals on their able limb. A TASKA prosthetic hand will be sensorized using the Point Touch technology. In a randomized order, the subjects will perform functional tasks evaluating dexterity and assistance with prolonged gross motor movement using each experimental condition. Then, a direct comparison can be made across subjects for the semi-autonomous control algorithm and the standard of care myoelectric system used in the TASKA prosthetic hand.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DEVICE_FEASIBILITY

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Amputation; Traumatic, Arm, Upper

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Able-bodied subject * Fluent in English * Age of 18 years or greater Exclusion Criteria: * Significant cognitive deficits as determined upon clinical evaluation * Significant neurological deficits as determined upon clinical evaluation * Significant physical deficits of the residual limb impacting full participation in the study as determined upon clinical evaluation

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Transfer Success Rate in a Fragile Box and Blocks Task

The participant is instructed to transfer a fragile, ball-like object that breaks at 8 Newtons of force over a 10-centimeter high barrier as many times as possible in a 2-minute period. A broken or dropped object is considered an unsuccessful transfer. The number of successful and attempted transfers is recorded. This task is modeled after the Box-and-Blocks Test and has been used to validate fine dexterity of myoelectric upper limb prostheses.

Time frame: Day 1 (1 hour)

Secondary Outcomes

Ball Drops in a Holding Task

The participant is instructed to pick up a 2-inch Styrofoam ball and hold the object above the desk or table for 2 minutes. If the ball is dropped, the participant is instructed to pick it back up. The 2-minute timer does not restart. The number of times the ball was dropped is recorded. This task has been used to validate the ability of myoelectric prostheses to assist with gross, prolonged movements.