Priorities for the design and control of upper limb prostheses: A focus group study

Background: Common prosthetic options do not allow for enough independent control signals to control all the movements of the arm. Invasive approaches to obtain prosthetic control signals are being developed to provide people with upper limb loss improved prosthetic control and feedback.

Objective/hypothesis: This study explored the prosthetic qualities that are important to users and examined the factors that play into the decision to consider invasive prosthetic interfaces that allow for enhanced prosthetic control.

Methods: Individuals participated in semi-structured focus groups or in individual semi-structured interviews (N = 11). A semi-structured interview guide containing open-ended questions was used to learn about ideal prosthesis qualities and interest in prosthetic technology interfaces including targeted muscle reinnervation, peripheral nerve interface, and cortical interface. Qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach was used for transcript analysis.

Results: Participants were most interested in improving the dexterity and durability of prosthetic options. Recovery time, anticipated risk, medical co-morbidities, and baseline functional status influenced willingness to consider invasive prosthetic interfaces. Participants were interested in learning more about all three invasive interfaces but had the most concerns about cortical interfaces.

Conclusions: Attitudes toward invasive control interfaces vary. Further education on invasive control interfaces and additional conversations between prosthetic developers and people with limb loss will help to develop effective prosthetic devices that potential consumers will use.