• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.367-375
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• 2023

Most partial hand amputees experience limited wrist movement, which hinders the efficient functioning of upper limb, affecting hand-to-use coordination and the usability of the prosthetic hand. This limitation can lead to secondary musculoskeletal issues due to repetitive compensatory movement patterns. However, current partial hand prosthetic lack rotational wrist movement due to challenges in accommodating various hand shapes and limited space. In our study, we proposed a prosthetic hand with a wrist rotation module for partial hand amputees, aiming to reduce compensatory movement. To validate the proposed wrist rotation module, we conducted motion analysis during reach-to-grasp task. Furthermore, during the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, we evaluated both the effect on upper limb movement and the usability of the prosthetic hand, comparing configurations with and without the wrist rotation module. The results showed that the prosthetic hand equipped with rotational wrist movements reduces compensatory movements and promotes efficient upper limb movement patterns. This finding highlights the value of incorporating a wrist rotation module in prosthetic hands to improve upper limb movement for partial hand amputees.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.355-361
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• 2013

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the gender-differences in vibrotactile responses(sensitivity and displeasure) of residual forearm simulated by vibration stimulation in upper limb(trans-radial) amputees. Background: Several studies have reported that vibration stimulation using the haptic vibrator is one the most effective methods for delivering sensation to an amputees. However, few studies have reported the perception to haptic vibratory stimulus, particularly sensitivity and displeasure. Method: We set up a custom-made vibration stimulation system that included 6 actuators(3 medial parts and 3 lateral parts) and a graphical user interface(GUI)-based acquisition system to investigate changes in residual somatosensory sensibility and displeasure in the forearm of upper limb(trans-radial) amputees. Vibration actuators were attached at the 25%-point on the proximal forearm. Stimulation with 32Hz, 64Hz, or 149Hz of frequency was used for the sensitivity tests and with 32~257Hz of frequency was used for the discomfort experiments. The subjective responses were evaluated on a 10 point scale. Results: The results showed that vibrotactile sensory perception in male amputees were higher than that in female amputees. In male amputees, the response at lateral area of forearm was the most sensitive than medial area; but, female amputees showed similar sensitive areas. Subjects did not experience any discomfort during vibrotactile stimuli. Conclusion: Vibrotactile response in the amputees was dependent on gender as well as area stimulated by vibration. Application: The results might contribute to develop the vibrotactile feedback system for the amputees.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.705-710
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• 2012

Research involving discomfort or pain related to haptic vibratory stimulation the for prosthesis users of myoelectrical hand is very lacking. Our objective of this study was to evaluate the displeasure and sensitivity of areas in forearm using vibration stimulation system between upper limb amputees and non-amputees. Twenty transradial amputees and forty non-amputees (20 youth, 20 elderly) were involved. We set up custom-made vibration stimulation system including eight actuators (4 medial parts and 4 lateral parts) and GUI-based acquisition system, to investigate changes of residual somatosensory sensibility and displeasure at proximal 25% of forearm. Eight vibration actuators were attached to the circumference of proximal 25% point of forearm at regular intervals. Sensitivity tests were used to stimulate the 120Hz and discomfort experiment was used to 37 ~ 223Hz. The subjective responses were evaluated by 10 point scale. The results showed that both groups were similar in sensitive areas. Response at around of radius was most sensitive than other areas in all subjects. Elderly group do not appear discomfort of vibrotactile; however, youth group and amputee presented discomfort of vibrotactile. Prosthesis with a vibrotactile feedback system should be developed considering the sensitivity. Furthermore, Future studies should investigate the scope of application of that principle.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.393-399
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• 2023

Upper limb amputees wear an upper limb prosthesis for both aesthetic purposes and functional necessity, and in particular, in the case of amputee with both hands, it is essential to wear a myoelectric prosthetic hand capable of gripping action. The prosthetic hand operated by the EMG signal of the remaining muscles is a public insurance benefit item of the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance, and test method standards are needed to be developed for the safety of the user and the effectiveness of the product performance. In this study, we developed systems for measuring the gripping force of myoelectric hand prosthesis by a load cell and for durability test of the prosthesis over repeated use with a proximity sensor, and propose a test method standard. Since the international test method standard has not yet been established, it is expected that Korea will be able to play a leading role in this standardization field in the future.