Abstract:
Through infra-red motion analysis systems it is possible to acquire the 3D joint kinematics
of a patient while performing every day activities. These data, combined with a biomechanical
model of the anatomical structures under investigation and clinical rating scales, can form the
basis for an objective assessment of the patient motor ability. When the subject acquired is an
amputee fitted with a new prosthetic arm, the information provided can be useful not only for
the practitioner but also for the prosthesis designer. The aim of this work is to give an
example of this kind of clinical/technology assessment, presenting the results obtained for a
young trans-humeral amputee fitted with a prototype of the new Otto Bock DynamicArm. In
particular, the analysis intended to quantitatively evaluate: 1) the performances of the Otto
Bock arm, and in particular of the electromechanic elbow, when controlled in-vivo by the
patient EMG signals; 2) how the patient controls the prosthesis, in order to identify critical
movements and prevent possible disorders; 3) if the new prosthesis increases the patient
abilities.
