Anytime new hands, batteries or gloves are introduced in the field, we have either had them for a trial or we have seen them first-hand at conferences and symposiums. Here are some of the manufacturers and their products that we deal with regularly:
Being a part of a research institute means that we are involved in the latest research in the field of upper limb prosthetics. Our institute is world-renowned in the area of myoelectric controls and signal processing. As a result, our clients are often asked to take part in research projects.
Many of the research projects currently underway in North America are using control strategies developed here at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering.
Some prosthetic devices are powered and can be controlled by an amputee flexing muscles on their residual limb. Electric signals are generated by the body when these muscles are flexed and can be measured using specialized electronics, a process called electromyography. Once measured, these myoelectric signals can be used to command a prosthetic device to perform various tasks. For example:
A prosthetist and an occupational therapist will work with a client to ensure that he/she will have the best possible control over their prosthetic device. This process includes determining whether there are appropriate muscle sites available and evaluating the ideal type of control strategy, and finally, training a client to use their new prosthetic device to effectively meet their individual goals. Information about myoelectric signals and their use for controlling prosthetic systems is well explained in a series of monographs that have been produced by the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. The links below will allow you to view the Monographs and provide an excellent introduction to the field of powered prosthetics.
*You will need to install a PDF reader to open these files. If you do not already have one, we recommend Adobe Reader.
Every device that is fabricated is custom built for each client’s unique needs. Several steps are involved in creating and learning how to use a prosthesis. Some prostheses are powered and need muscle signals from a user’s body in order to run, while others do not need any power. The steps listed below are typical for clients who receive a powered prosthesis.
A prosthetist and an occupational therapist will work with a client to ensure that he/she will have the best possible control over their prosthetic device. This process includes determining whether there are appropriate muscle sites available and evaluating the ideal type of control strategy, and finally, training a client to use their new prosthetic device to effectively meet their individual goals. Information about myoelectric signals and their use for controlling prosthetic systems is well explained in a series of monographs that have been produced by the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. The links below will allow you to view the Monographs and provide an excellent introduction to the field of powered prosthetics.
The first step in making a prosthesis involves assessing the client’s needs and condition. We can then decide what type of prosthesis will be needed and the various parts that will go into making it.
Next we will check to see which of a client’s existing muscles are best suited to control a prosthesis. These signals can be measured directly on the skin with what are known as electrodes.
A socket must be shaped to allow a prosthesis to fit a client’s body. By taking a custom mold of the residual limb, we can ensure the new prosthesis will fit well once it has been made.
On a later visit, the socket is checked to make sure it fits a client’s body well, and that the electrodes will work well within the socket.
The rest of the prosthesis is then fabricated.
The final prosthesis is then fit and small adjustments are made to fine-tune the device and its control.
Occupational Therapy training then takes place; clients will learn to use their new prosthesis for various functional tasks to meet their individual goals. The goals may be concerned with returning to work, performing school related tasks, independence in getting dressed, playing particular sports, preparing foods, playing on a playground, or socializing with friends. The fitting process is not complete until the client feels comfortable with the use and control of their new prosthesis.
The UNB Test of Prosthetics Function* is designed to assist therapists in both research and direct service roles. For therapists in amputee clinics, the test can be used to determine the progress of an individual child during the stage of functional training. The child’s scores can be compared with his or her own earlier scores, thereby providing a means to determine if therapy goals are being met. The test also clarifies the point at which no further training is required. For research therapists, the UNB Test offers several features which enable accurate comparison of training programs and research data from different centres. It is the first known prosthetics test which has a rating scale with demonstrated reliability. Finally, by involving therapists from several countries, the test items themselves comprise a culturally fair battery.
*You will need to install a PDF reader to open this file. If you do not already have one, we recommend Adobe Reader.
