A User-Driven Approach to Prosthetic Upper Limb Development in Korea

Abstract

Despite recent significant advances in technology and medicine, the number of patients who undergo amputation of body parts for various reasons continues to increase. Assistive devices such as prosthetic arms can enable limited activities in upper limb amputees and improve their quality of life. This study aims to help in the development of user-centered prosthetics by identifying user requirements and key considerations during selection of prosthetics. This study conducted a questionnaire survey after obtaining prior consent for persons with disabilities with upper limb amputation who visited orthosis companies, rehabilitation centers for the disabled, veteran’s hospitals, and labor welfare corporations. A modified questionnaire was conducted to upper limb prosthetic users and results were analysed using descriptive statistics and t-test. Results of the study showed that the main reasons for discontinuing the use of prosthetics were discomfort (discomfort in wear, weight, and difficulty of detachment) and complaints regarding design and function. Regardless of the prosthesis type, the color and design of the prosthesis were key considerations in prosthesis choices. Respondents indicated that they needed various prostheses designed according to the purpose and situation, such as for sports like golf and cycling as well as everyday use. Most of the respondents answered that buttoning shirts, tying knots, and using chopsticks were challenging or impossible to do on their own. Based on the results of this study, the quality of life of upper limb amputees can be improved if a prosthetic arm with various functions that can satisfy both the user’s needs and wants is developed.

Use of machine learning in the field of prosthetics and orthotics: A systematic narrative review

“…16 Furthermore, those who have lost their hand face significant limitations when performing daily tasks. 32 In this regard, those who wear upper-limb prostheses should learn precise ways for controlling their devices and performing daily movements independently.…”

Golf and Health, More than 18 Holes—A Bibliometric Analysis

“…Already in 2021, we found a large number of publications, as in 2020, specifically, 28 publications that related golf and health [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 183 , 184 , 185 , 186 , 187 , 188 , 189 , 190 , 191 , 192 , 193 , 194 , 195 , 196 , 197 , 198 ], 6 of them in both databases [ 71 , 73 , 100 , 102 , 185 , 190 ]. The main line of research continues to be the health benefits of sport [ 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ] and studies on injuries [ 145 , 146 , 177 , 178 , 179 ] or risks to players on the golf course [ 183 , 187 ].…”

Advances in prosthetic technology: a perspective on ethical considerations for development and clinical translation

“…More importantly, participatory action research allows a shift from thinking of people as "end-users" towards integrating them as equal members of the team developing the technology (i.e., making technology with people instead of for them), ensuring development from idea generation to implementation is relevant to their lived experiences (7). Several studies have reported the perspectives of prosthesis users in the context of current clinically available prosthetic technology, such as cosmesis (making the prosthesis aesthetically pleasing), prosthetic fit/ comfort, functionality, and specific prosthetic componentry that may help clinicians provide the best services for their patients (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21). However, there is limited research focusing on user perspectives regarding future technology to guide the development of new prosthetic devices (22)(23)(24)(25).…”