Joint angle transform based methodology for controlling upper limb prostheses

Care of upper limb amputees is a great example of personalized medicineProsthetists and occupational therapists work with patients to identify their needsand then to create a highly individualized solution using a variety of components and technologiesThe key to improving care in this underserved patient population is to provide better components which can be used by prosthetists to create the best possible clinical solution for each patientOne of the most exciting developments in the field relates to the mechatronic advances which have enabled the creation of dexterous terminal deviceswrist rotators and powered elbowsHowevertheir clinical impact has been limited by a lack of effective myoelectric control strategiesIf this was availableamputees would be in a much better position to accomplish complex tasks of daily livingworkingand playingThuswe propose the development of a novel control strategy based on a joint angle transform algorithmwhich we call the Glide ControllerIt promises to offer a much needed option for intuitive myoelectric controlThe Glide Controller willempower amputees by providing greater control over their prosthesisbe compatible with traditionalsite EMG prosthetic systemseventually be compatible with advancedsite systems as they become availableandwork with components from other manufacturerssuch as mechatronic elbowswrist rotatorsand terminal devicesIn this Fast Track effortwe proposethe development and verification of the Glide Controllerthe thirdparty verification and validation of the systemandevaluation of the Glide Controller in a clinical study of transradial amputeesIt is our long term goal to provide a suite of interoperable hardware and software technologies to provide prosthetists and their patients with options they can use to best serve the highly individual needs of each patientWe believe that the Glide Controller will be a great addition to the prosthetist toolset and will enable independent livingwork productivityand overall enjoyment of life