title: The use of an adjustable electrode housing unit to compare electrode alignment and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Usable myoelectric control relies on secure and intimate contact at all times between the electrode, the socket and the residual limb. At present, there is little post-fitting socket adjustment available to prosthetists with respect to electrode contact security or alignment. Failure to provide secure electrode contact could result in the development of motion artefacts, poor prehensor response and subsequent prosthesis non-usage.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To establish the effect of alteration to electrode contract security and alignment on prosthesis functionality using a bespoke electrode housing unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study investigated the effect of electrode contact security and alignment on upper limb myoelectric prosthesis functionality.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four different electrode housing arrangements were assessed within prosthetic sockets fitted to six transradial prosthesis subjects using the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure, which is a reliable and validated prosthesis functionality assessment tool.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significantly higher functionality scores were achieved with the bespoke housing unit compared to when using conventional electrode housings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Myoelectric prosthesis functionality is closely linked to electrode contact security and to electrode alignment with respect to the residual limb. Both of these factors can be improved locally using an adjustable electrode housing unit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Provision of an electrode housing system that enables adjustments to be made to electrode orientation can improve prosthesis functionality, particularly in cases where tight-fitting sockets are not possible, and/or where the prosthetist may be inexperienced with regard to myoelectric prosthesis fitting.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health & Social Care Research (IHSCR), Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Salford, Salford, UK J.Head@salford.ac.uk.
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Head
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health & Social Care Research (IHSCR), Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health & Social Care Research (IHSCR), Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Hutchins
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health & Social Care Research (IHSCR), Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kenney
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health & Social Care Research (IHSCR), Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
authors.forename: Glyn Harvey
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Heath
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health & Social Care Research (IHSCR), Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
authors.forename: Andrey Yurievitch
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Aksenov
mesh_terms: D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000379:methods*; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D006113:United Kingdom; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Upper limb prosthetics; education; prosthetics; testing of prosthetic and orthotic components