Powered Upper Limb Prostheses: Control, Implementation and Clinical ApplicationMuzumdar Ashok, EditorThe purpose of the book is to provide concise, yet comprehensive representation on the subject of myoelectrically controlled externally powered prostheses for both child and adult upper limb amputees. The book presents complete treatment of the various aspects and components needed for successful implementation of myoelectrically controlled upper limb prostheses. The book is primarily intended to serve as a foundation for students as well as a valuable resource for professionals in related fields of medicine and engineering. The authors of the book are experienced practitioners, academics and researchers in the field. The book consists of 10 chapters. In the first chapter a historical perspective on myoelectric control of prosthetic limbs during the years of 1945 - 1970 is given with the emphasis on developments in different countries. The second chapter brings a whole spectrum of topics related to the origins and nature of the myoelectric signals including basic anatomy and electrophysiology as well as processing of the myoelectric signals. The third chapter explains the way myoelectric signals are used to control powered upper limb prostheses. It starts with the acquisition of the signal and the problems associated with it as well as with signal processing techniques needed to obtain useful signal. Concepts of ON-OFF and proportional control approaches are described and explained through examples. In the fourth chapter a survey of the current commercially available hardware for the implementation of myoelectric control is given in depth on a manufacturer-by-manufacturer basis. Particularly the compatibility issues are addressed. The fifth chapter deals with the prevalence and causes of upper extremity amputation or limb deficiency as well as with issues faced by people with amputations and their families that influence the outcome of prosthesis fitting process. The sixths chapter is focused on the powered upper-limb prostheses practice in paediatrics. The chapter outlines the procedures used in myoelectric fitting, the basic concepts and application of myoelectric control systems for children and adolescents, socket design and paediatric considerations. The seventh chapter deals with the issues related to powered upper limb prosthetics in adults. The main focus is on pre- and post-delivery assessment methodologies, rehabilitation strategies, prosthetic componentry, and interface design and system application. The eight chapter is devoted to the training aspects related to a functional use of powered myoelectrically controlled prostheses in children and adults including signal or control training, skill building, functional training and outcome evaluation. The ninth chapter outlines research and the future developments of myoelectric prosthetics. Emphasis is on new control methods including pattern recognition of myoelectric signals, hierarchical organisation and extended physiological proprioception. The last chapter is entirely devoted to a comprehensive list of general references related to the relevant journal literature. The book includes 154 colour figures and 11 tables. Each chapter's outline starts with the table of contents, followed by a short introductory summary and introductory section. Throughout the main text of each chapter the key concepts are highlighted in self-explanatory figures and tables. More advanced and detailed information on particular topic are given in the "Going a Little Further..." textboxes. When appropriate the main body of the chapter ends with a chapter summary where the chapter subject matter is concisely summarised and can serve as a quick reference. At the very end of each chapter there are questions related to the chapter's content and a list of references or suggested further reading material and where appropriate also a list of manufacturers. This book would be an excellent addition to the library of rehabilitation institutions and professionals being involved in the field of prosthetics. It represents a comprehensive, tutorial but also a very practical and up to date guide in the field of implementation and clinical application of powered myoelectrically controled upper-limb prostheses
Zlatko Matjacic, MScEE, PhD
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