Comparing the Attentional Demands and Functional Outcomes in People With Transradial Amputation
Comparing the Attentional Demands and Functional Outcomes of Pattern Recognition and Direct Myoelectric Control in People With Transradial Amputation
Virginia Commonwealth University
32 participants
May 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Regular prosthesis use by an individual with upper limb loss can help improve general well-being. Individuals who do not use their prosthesis report more significant functional disability and lower health-related quality of life. A significant proportion of individuals with upper limb loss report high levels of disuse or discontinued use of their prosthesis because of physical pain or psychological distress, perceptions that the device provides no functional benefit, undesirable aesthetics, and issues with fit, comfort, weight, or design of their prosthetic device. Being able to exert intuitive control over a device would theoretically pose a lower cognitive burden to the user, concomitantly increasing functional performance. This effect could bolster device use and satisfaction.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- years of age or older
- Unilateral transradial limb loss
- At least 6 months since loss
- Previous or current use of a myoelectric device for 3 months or longer
- Use of a prosthesis at least 4 days each week
- Ability to read, write, and understand English
- Willingness to use each control strategy as primary device for 3 months each (6 months commitment total)
Exclusion Criteria2
- Any health condition that would prevent safely completing trial activities
- Discontinued use of a myoelectric prosthesis due to non-financial reasons
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Interventions
All participants will receive in-person training with an onsite study prosthetist for the assigned controller strategy. The purpose of the training will be to instruct users on the care of the device formally and to achieve a basic level of functional performance. Training will be individualized according to clinical discretion consistent with clinical practice. Training will consist of up to four sessions to facilitate participants' use of the assigned controller system. The number of sessions will be competency-based (i.e., determined by the ability of each participant to explain or perform specified tasks). A standardized protocol and training checklist have been developed by clinical subject matter experts (i.e., upper limb prosthetists and occupational therapists).
All participants will receive in-person training with an onsite study prosthetist for the assigned controller strategy. The purpose of the training will be to instruct users on the care of the device formally and to achieve a basic level of functional performance. Training will be individualized according to clinical discretion consistent with clinical practice. Training will consist of up to four sessions to facilitate participants' use of the assigned controller system. The number of sessions will be competency-based (i.e., determined by the ability of each participant to explain or perform specified tasks). A standardized protocol and training checklist have been developed by clinical subject matter experts (i.e., upper limb prosthetists and occupational therapists).
After the training sessions, all subjects will use the PRC device in their homes, just in a different order.
After the training sessions, all subjects will use the DC device in their homes, just in a different order
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07075042