Real-World Testing of the Self Grasping Hand, a Novel Adjustable Passive Prosthesis

A Single Group Pilot Study

Journal Article (2022)
Author(s)

Lisa O’Brien (Swinburne University of Technology, Monash University)

Elena Montesano (Caulfield Hospital)

Alix Chadwell (University of Salford)

Laurence Kenney (University of Salford)

G. Smit (TU Delft - Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology)

Research Group
Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology
Copyright
© 2022 Lisa O’Brien, Elena Montesano, Alix Chadwell, Laurence Kenney, G. Smit
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis4010006
More Info
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Publication Year
2022
Language
English
Copyright
© 2022 Lisa O’Brien, Elena Montesano, Alix Chadwell, Laurence Kenney, G. Smit
Research Group
Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology
Issue number
1
Volume number
4
Pages (from-to)
48-59
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Abstract

(1) Background: This study investigated the feasibility of conducting a two-week “real-world” trial of the Self Grasping Hand (SGH), a novel 3D printed passive adjustable prosthesis for hand absence; (2) Methods: Single-group pilot study of nine adults with trans-radial limb absence; five used body-powered split-hooks, and four had passive cosmetic hands as their usual prosthesis. Data from activity monitors were used to measure wear time and bilateral activity. At the end of the two-week trial, function and satisfaction were measured using the Orthotics and Prosthetics Users’ Survey Function Scale (OPUS) and the prosthesis satisfaction sub-scales of the Trinity Amputations and Prosthesis Experience Scale (TAPES). Semi-structured interviews captured consumer feedback and suggestions for improvement; (3) Results: Average SGH wear time over 2 weeks was 17.5 h (10% of total prosthesis wear time) for split-hook users and 83.5 h (63% of total prosthesis wear time) for cosmetic hand users. Mean satisfaction was 5.2/10, and mean function score was 47.9/100; (4) Two-week real-world consumer testing of the SGH is feasible using the methods described. Future SGH designs need to be more robust with easier grasp lock/unlock.