| dc.description.abstract |
Silicone socket suspension technology for the upper extremity amputee has been proven
to provide increased suspension and range of motion over conventional self suspending
sockets. Application of silicone socket suspension has greatly benefitted clients
with very short residual limbs and disarticulation level amputations. However, the
use of silicone suspension sockets with myoelectric control has presented some problems,
namely relating to the wear and tear on electrical control cables and connections.
Managing the interface between silicone socket and hard socket without compromise
to
signal loss via an electrical-mechanical interface about the pin lock has been investigated,
and although function was acceptable, this approach was technically complex. An alternate
and potentially simple solution is the use of an electrically conductive silicone
interface within the silicone socket and localized at the electrode site. To investigate
the feasibility of this approach, a prosthetic socket and silicon sleeve using the
conductive material was fabricated and evaluated on a single subject. Signal quality
was found to be acceptable but further work is needed to assess the factors that can
be targeted to further improve the signal-to-noise ratio. This approach has the potential
to reduce the technical requirements in achieving usable EMG signal capture.
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