Functional Outcome Measures With Vibrotactile Feedback to Prostheses

The Effects of Adding Vibrotactile Feedback to Prostheses on Functional Outcome Measures of Transradial Amputation Prosthetic Users

Investigators wish to evaluate the effects of adding VTF to upper limb prostheses on functional outcome measures of upper limb prosthetic users.

Investigators will perform three experiments:

1. Investigators will add vibrotactile feedback to prosthetic users during the execution of a standardized functional test and performance of simple grasping tasks, with a disruption to the normal visual feedback, and examine whether their performance and arm kinematics are improved with tactile feedback;
2. Investigators will examine the effects of adding the feedback to a prosthesis on the performance and visual attention during a dual task assignment in prosthetic users, and
3. Investigators will provide prosthetic users with the feedback, to use it at their natural surroundings for a week, and study the reported activity and satisfaction levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Unilateral transradial amputee
• Using a transradial myoelectric prosthesis
• Ability to follow simple instructions, understand and sign an informed consent form
• Normal or corrected eyesight

Exclusion Criteria:

• Elbow or wrist disarticulation or partial hand amputations
• Neuropathy or skin ulcers on the amputated limb