User demands for sensory feedback in upper extremity prostheses

Abstract

This paper presents the results of 108 responses to a survey asking users of electrical upper limb prostheses about sensory feedback. The survey aimed to identify whether sensory feedback was of interest to users, which kinds of information were important and what feedback modality would be suited for transfer of information. Moreover the situations in which sensory feedback would be most useful should be identified. To answer these questions we designed a survey which was sent by mail and was also available online. 88% of respondents placed different degree of importance on obtaining sensory feedback from their prosthesis. Grip force was most important followed by proprioceptive information. First contact during grasping and end of contact during release of an object was also of interest to respondents. Vibration, pressure and electrical stimulation were identified as appropriate means for transmission of sensory information from the prosthesis to the amputee, based on their acceptance and sensitivity at the residual limb. These findings allow conclusions for further development on what information has to be measured by feedback prostheses and how this information can be transmitted to the amputee. Investigation of perceptions respondents apply to control their current electrical prosthesis reveals that observation, listening and sensations at the residual limb are used and applied to gain certain information about the prosthesis. This could be the basis for a training of prosthesis users aiming at prosthesis control with less visual attention.

The Rice Haptic Rocker: Skin stretch haptic feedback with the Pisa/IIT SoftHand

“…This approach has a high potential for better hand functionality, while also retaining a good cosmetic value, but is often difficult to control for the user [2], [3]. Moreover, when compared to body powered prostheses, myoelectric prostheses lack inherent haptic feedback, which is a highly desired feature amongst users [4]- [6] and has been shown to increase embodiment of the prosthesis [7]. This critical absence can generate frustration for the user and cause abandonment of the prosthesis, which is still observed in many cases and represents a serious issue [8].…”

The SoftHand Pro-H: A Hybrid Body-Controlled, Electrically Powered Hand Prosthesis for Daily Living and Working

“…BP systems exhibit some level of inherent haptic feedback, which is a highly desired feature among users [1], [11], [12] and is shown to increase the feeling of embodiment of the prosthesis [13]. This feature is nearly nonexistent in myoelectric devices, where users rely on motor noise and perceived level of muscle effort, when possible, to estimate proprioceptive and force information.…”

On the Reliability of Chronically Implanted Thin-Film Electrodes in Human Arm Nerves for Neuroprosthetic Applications

“…The ideal vision for the amputee would be a replacement of the missing limb with sensorized prosthesis, which is connected to such an interface and gives the patient sensory feedback [7,18]. Therefore, chronic stability of implanted PNIs is the ultimate prerequisite.…”