Effect of EMG sensor number and placement on control of below-elbow prosthetic arms

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized crossover study compares different myoelectric sensor configurations — including 4, 8, and up to 16 untargeted channels and an 8-channel targeted configuration — while participants wear a functional prosthetic arm. Adults with unilateral transradial limb absence who are current or past users of myoelectric prostheses will perform standardized functional tests such as the AMULA, ACMC, Box and Blocks, and Clothespin relocation while using each configuration. The study uses physical prosthetic sockets and a commercial EMG cuff to capture real-world performance rather than relying on offline data from able-bodied subjects. Outcomes will quantify whether channel count or targeted placement improves everyday task performance.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Unilateral transradial level limb absence
* Current or past user of myo-electric controlled prostheses
* Six months or more post-amputation
* Have adequate limb length such that a wrist rotation device can fit in the check socket
* Well-fitting socket as determined by a Socket-Comfort Score of 6 or above
* Capable of wearing and operating a prosthesis with a wrist rotator and multi-articulating hand
* Capable of understanding and following multi-step instructions and completing the tasks as described
* English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant new injury that would prevent use of a prosthesis: The ability to consistently wear a prosthesis and perform activities of daily living and specific performance tasks is necessary to evaluate the relative benefits of the interventions.
* Cognitive impairment sufficient to adversely affect understanding of or compliance with study requirements, ability to communicate experiences, or ability to give informed consent: The ability to understand and comply with requirements of the study is essential for the study to generate useable, reliable data. The ability to obtain relevant user feedback through questionnaires and informal discussion adds significant value to this study.

Where it's running

• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
• Liberating Technologies, Inc.
  Holliston, Massachusetts, United States Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Todd Farrell, PhD — Liberating Technologies, Inc.
• Study coordinator: Brianna Rozell
• Email: brianna.rozell@liberatingtech.com
• Phone: 774-233-0876

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.