| dc.description.abstract |
Transradial amputation implies the loss of the wrist. It therefore also implies the
loss of the ability to do flexion/extension and radioulnar deviation as well as the
forearm’s ability to rotate the wrist (prosupination). Prosupination is offered by
some prostheses, but many users choose not to use a powered wrist because the benefits
are literally outweighed by its weight, poor cosmesis and the complexity of controlling
multiple degrees of freedom. This is also why a wrist with more than one motorized
function is considered by many not to be a viable concept.
This paper reports a study that aims at producing a lightweight, single-degree-of-freedom,
externally powered wrist whose kinematic properties are optimized to match the movements
of a healthy wrist in conjunction with certain Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The
rationale for this is the assumption that reducing the need for compensatory movements
whilst keeping the weight and control complexity unchanged will improve user acceptance
and utilization of the device. The prosthesis provides for digital communication and
coordinated motion.
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