Relation of the mode of prosthesis control to psychomotor performance of arm amputees

Abstract

Comparisons of a "voluntary closing" type of prosthesis control system, for hook and hand prosthetic terminal devices, "were made for a total of 17 amputees, using performance time as a criterion measure on three simple manipulation tests. Amputee preference for various types of device was determined by a questionnaire. The results indicated that the mode of control of the prehension device was unrelated to the criterion measure… preference… is related to other factors than speed… such as mechanical reliability [and]… there is no inherent superiority for either type of control; neither one stands in any natural functional relationship to the shoulder shrug or biceps contraction." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)