Clinical evaluation of the modular electromechanical lock actuator for above-elbow prostheses: a preliminary report.
The Modular Electromechanical Lock Actuator (MELA) is the result of research and development (R&D) conducted under the direction of Dudley S. Childress, PhD, at the Northwestern University Prosthetics Research Laboratory (NUPRL), Chicago, Illinois. NUPRL, based upon their experience with prostheses for persons with high-level, upper-limb amputations, developed MELA to provide users with more efficient, versatile control and operation of their existing, cable-operated, positive-locking elbow and wrist components. The design of MELA has advanced to the point where it has the potential to improve the functionality and effectiveness of existing, body-powered or manually positioned above-elbow prostheses. This R&D effort has resulted in a pre-market model that is now ready for the national field evaluation part of the technology transfer process coordinated through the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Technology Transfer Section.
Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Baltimore, MD 21202-4051.
M E
ME
Cupo
S J
SJ
Sheredos
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D018581:Technology Transfer