Myoelectric Sensor-Based Prosthetic Hand for the Transradial Amputees of Kapampangan Development Foundation, Inc.

Abstract

Human hands are one of the greatest tools used in people’s everyday lives. Its job involves grasping, holding, moving, and manipulating various objects. Thus, losing a hand would greatly reduce one’s ability to work. Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) is an organization which provide an assistance to the less fortunate Cabalens of Pampanga; one of these is their prosthesis laboratory. However, KDF can only provide assistance for their lower limb amputees. To solve this problem, a functional prototype prosthetic hand was developed for the transradial amputees. The prosthesis integrated force sensitive resistors, motors, and myoelectric means of control which enable the user in performing activities of daily living (ADL). The accuracy of myo armband in reading myoelectric signals was tested and provided a positive result as the device can properly read myoelectric signals from an amputee. Using a descriptive method, the researchers were able to gather all the needed data in the study. Research instruments such as questionnaires, interviews, and surveys were used in order to gain knowledge regarding the present issues. The overall outcome was a prosthesis that met the initial design requirements and can perform basic hand functionality.