Modelling of the Upper Limb for Prosthesis Development
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Modelling of the Upper Limb for Prosthesis Development
IRAS ID
242955
Contact name
Daire McGuinness
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ossur
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Össur manufacture prosthetics which are powered by skin electrodes placed on the skin, picking up electrical signals from the muscle. We are developing a new powered prosthetic elbow, the i-Limb Elbow, and a new control method for the elbow, “Intent control”. Intent control is still based on skin contact electrodes, but uses motion analysis data to train the device to predict the intent of the user when it picks up motion and electrical signals. In this way we hope to automate some of the actions of the device based on body movements, to make controlling the device easier and more intuitive.
In the earlier phase of the study, activities will be performed by both limb-absent and limb-intact individuals to show how the upper limbs behave in a variety of different conditions. Firstly simple activities will be done, e.g. demonstrating grips and arm movements. Next activities will include functional tests such as the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure and the Clothespin Relocation Test. Lastly, the activities will be more complex and involve activities of daily life such as housework, dressing, eating etc. Repeat participation is welcome.
When the control method is reliable, individuals with limb-absence will be asked to take part using the elbow prosthesis as well as the control method.
The data recorded during the activities is electromyographic (EMG data, the electrical signals recorded from your muscles during activities) and inertial motion data (known as IMU data, a combination of gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers that allows the sensors to understand where your joints are in 3D space). Demographics and subjective data about the prototype device and control method will also be recorded. Study activities will continue at intervals over several years to continuously improve the control method, and it's application to the i-limb elbow device.REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
19/SS/0128
Date of REC Opinion
13 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion