Effect of EMG sensor number and placement on control of below-elbow prosthetic arms
Evaluation of Functional Performance of Persons With Limb Differences to Optimize Pattern Recognition Control of Powered Upper Limb Prosthesis
This project will test whether changing the number and placement of myoelectric sensors helps adults with below-elbow limb absence control a prosthetic arm better while wearing a real device.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Liberating Technologies, Inc. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07011420 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with unilateral transradial limb absence who are current or former myoelectric prosthesis users, at least six months post-amputation, with a well-fitting socket and ability to operate a wrist rotator and multi-articulating hand are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with bilateral or more proximal amputations, those unable to wear a wrist rotator or a comfortable socket, those less than six months post-amputation, or those with cognitive impairment preventing task participation are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide clinicians and device makers to choose sensor counts and placements that improve everyday control and function for below-elbow prosthesis users.
How similar studies have performed: Most prior research was performed offline with able-bodied subjects and produced mixed or uncertain results, so testing these assumptions with actual prosthesis users is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.