Summary
Clinical experience with two types of multifunctional prosthetic hand, controlled by pattern recognition of multiple myoelectric signals is reported. The prostheses have been used for between one and five years by five patients. The pattern recognition control system enabled the patients to control six separate movements accurately after a short period of training. One of the tested prostheses, the SVEN-hand, was not reliable enough to allow clinical use outside the laboratory. The ES-hand, a second generation multifunctional prosthesis, has promising features, being self-contained and fast moving. It is concluded that multifunctional prosthetic hands help amputees to avoid tiresome and awkward compensatory movements. Their scope, however, does not extend beyond that of conventional myoelectric prostheses. Their combined movements are cosmetically more appealing than a single three-point grip. In order to gain wider acceptance, multifunctional prosthetic hands must reach a stage of development comparable to conventional myoelectric devices particularly with regard to weight and compactness. A pattern recognition control system is essential to the design.
Résumé
Les auteurs rapportent l'expérience clinique de deux types de prothèses multifonctionnelles de la main, contrôlées par un système de reconnaissance de signaux myoélectriques multiples. Ces prothèses ont été utilisées par cinq sujets pendant un à cinq ans. Le système de contrôle de reconnaissance permet aux sujets de maîtriser six gestes différents après une courte période de formation. Une des prothèses, la «SVEN-hand», n'est pas suffisamment fiable pour permettre son utilisation en dehors du laboratoire. La «ES-hand», prothèse multifonctionnelle de seconde génération, est prometteuse, étant rapide et autosuffisante.
On peut en conclure que les prothèses multifonctionnelles de la main aident les amputés à éviter des gestes compensatoires fatigants et maladroits. Cependant, leurs performances ne sont pas supérieures à celles des prothèses myoélectriques classiques. Mais, du point de vue esthétique, leurs gestes complexes sont plus satisfaisants qu'une prise à trois points. Pour pouvoir élargir leurs champs d'application, les prothèses multifonctionnelles de la main devraient atteindre un degré de perfection comparable à celui des dispositifs myoélectriques classiques, surtout en ce qui concerne le poids et la miniaturisation. Un système contrôlant la reconnaissance d'un schéma est essentiel pour la conception d'un tel type de prothèse.
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Almström, C., Herberts, P. & Körner, L. Experience with swedish multifunctional prosthetic hands controlled by pattern recognition of multiple myoelectric signals. International Orthopaedics 5, 15–21 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00286094
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00286094