Developing a new test for ability to control an arm prosthesis.

Recruting countries: the Netherlands

In the process of developing a serious game for testing patients’ level of myocontrol a part of the test needs to be validated. In a previous trial we found differences between several tests that need further inspection. The current study focusses on determining whether subject are equally good at a game and a similar prosthesis task after a period of training.

All subjects will be measured for 24 (2x12) minutes on five consecutive days. The primary results are based on magnitudes. In the prosthesis task these distances will be measured using a goniometer and a calliper. In the serious game these measures are based on data collected from the gripper that is displayed on the screen.

During this study all subject will undergo two tests. One of these tests will be executed with the use of a myoelectric prosthesis simulator. The other test will be executed in a virtual environment, using a serious game. Both the myoelectric prosthesis simulator and the serious games are controlled using surface EMG measured on the flexor and extensor of the wrist. All participants will come back on five consecutive days to train both test for 12 minutes each. The two tests will be presented to the participants in a random order. During the serious game, only level one will be played.