Examining the Effects of Haptic Feedback on Functional Activities and Embodiment of Myoelectric Prosthesis Users
Date of Award
Spring 5-9-2026
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Amy Funke, MSOP, CPO
Abstract
Lack of touch sensation or “haptics” is a significant factor in upper-extremity prosthetic abandonment. While body-powered devices allow some degree of sensation, myoelectric prostheses offer little to no feedback despite their advanced functional capabilities. Previous studies have shown that haptic feedback improves function among people with upper limb difference (ULD). However, the optimal feedback mode is still uncertain, and research has been limited by the lack of ULD participants and practical outcome measures. In this study, ten users of myoelectric prostheses were recruited to examine the functional and psychological impact of two haptic feedback modes: continuous and discrete. Participants were fitted with a previously developed haptic system and asked to complete the Activities Measure for Upper Limb Amputees (AM-ULA) and the Orthotics Prosthetics Users Survey (OPUS). All participants completed the AM-ULA with no haptic feedback on the first day as a control. Participants were then split into two groups and tested again on the two following days, each experiencing the feedback modes in a different order. After each completion of the AM-ULA, participants recorded their experience via the OPUS. The resulting data provided new insight into the preferred haptic modes of myoelectric prosthetic users and how feedback improves function and reduces rejection rates.