An experimental apparatus to simulate body-powered prosthetic usage: Development and preliminary evaluation

作者：Gao Fan^*; Rodriguez Johanan; Kapp Susan

来源：Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 2016, 40(3): 404-408.

DOI：10.1177/0309364615574166

• Body-powered
• grip force
• cable tension
• cable excursion

Background and aim: Harness fitting in the body-powered prosthesis remains more art than science due to a lack of consistent and quantitative evaluation. The aim of this study was to develop a mechanical, human-body-shaped apparatus to simulate body-powered upper limb prosthetic usage and evaluate its capability of quantitative examination of harness configuration.
Technique: The apparatus was built upon a torso of a wooden mannequin and integrated major mechanical joints to simulate terminal device operation. Sensors were used to register cable tension, cable excursion, and grip force simultaneously.
Discussion: The apparatus allowed the scapula to move up to 127mm laterally and the load cell can measure the cable tension up to 445N. Our preliminary evaluation highlighted the needs and importance of investigating harness configurations in a systematic and controllable manner.
Clinical relevance: The apparatus allows objective, systematic, and quantitative evaluation of effects of realistic harness configurations and will provide insightful and working knowledge on harness fitting in upper limb amputees using body-powered prosthesis.

• 出版日期2016-6