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.
['Zheng|Jasmine Y|JY|', 'Kalpakjian|Claire|C|', 'Larrága-Martínez|María|M|', 'Chestek|Cynthia A|CA|', 'Gates|Deanna H|DH|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000671:Amputation D000674:Amputees D001186:Artificial Limbs D001290:Attitude D003258:Consumer Behavior D006233:Disabled Persons D005260:Female D017144:Focus Groups D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009068:Movement D011474:Prosthesis Design D036301:Qualitative Research D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D034941:Upper Extremity
Focus group Interface Prosthesis Amputation Upper extremity