Evaluating Effectiveness of a Novel Game-Based Training System on Functional and Subjective Outcomes in Transradial Myoprosthesis Users

Difficult or insufficient upper limb pre-prosthetic training has been identified as a primary reason underlying low user acceptance and prosthesis abandonment; however, training for myoelectric prostheses is limited. A novel, game-based training paradigm was recently reported, and included a wireless wearable electromyography band, a series of mobile prosthetic training games, and a provider web portal. Mobile games were designed to target various aspects of prosthesis control, including: basic dual-site muscle activation; sequencing; proportional control and isolation; 3-D movement control; along with myoelectric signals and visualizations to users. The current study aims to compare game-based training to conventional training using functional metrics such as prosthesis use, return to work, and quality of life in upper limb amputees. Seven subjects consented and participated in the study. Game scores, which correlate directly with successful completion of muscle activations, co-contractions, isolations, and 3D movement controls, increased over the course of the training, with the greatest increases associated with basic muscle activations and 3-D movement control. Additional secondary outcomes are discussed including measures of dexterity, activity, device satisfaction, quality of life, training satisfaction, and device metrics. The study indicates the utility of novel training paradigms in myoelectric prosthetic users.