PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE NEW OTTO BOCK “DynamicArm” BY MEANS OF BIOMECHANICAL MODELLING

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.