PROSTHETIC CONTROL: A CASE FOR EXTENDED PHYSIOLOGICAL PROPRIOCEPTION.

Abstract

To achieve subconscious prosthetic control the patient feedback present must be employed as completely as possible. This implies the use of control methods based upon the principles of extended physiological proprioception. The harnessing of body movements has the inherent ability to fully employ the principles of extended physiological proprioception. However, the present harnessing techniques often fail to do so and are generally of a dreadful engineering quality. Myoelectrical control must be considered as an open loop system. It lacks by principle any useful feedback. The challenge for the prosthetic profession is to focus research on [improvement of] control options that comply with the rules of extended physiological proprioception. Promising future control options may result from the research into miniature cineplasties, in combination with neuro-muscular reorganization, and from the research into neuroelectrodes.