Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 96-104).

Thesis (M.S.)--Rochester Institute of Technology, 2009. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (p. 120-126).

Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2006. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Nov. 20, 2008) Includes bibliographical references (p. 51-52). Also issued in print.

A prosthesis control strategy using a nearest neighbor electromyographic pattern classifier was investigated with both a real time microprocessor-based controller and offline computational facilities. Four active electrodes for myoelectric signal amplitude detection were interfaced with a microcomputer for data logging and pattern classification. A nearest neighbor algorithm correctly identified arm motions as belonging to one of six pattern classes from 72 percent to 100 percent of the time. There were five vectors for each class in the look-up table. The nearest neighbor pattern classifier was compared to a minimum error rate Bayes classifier under the assumption that the probability densities were distributed as a multivariate normal distribution. Comparable error rates were obtained with the same data vectors. A condensed nearest neighbor classifier was constructed to determine what minimum number of vectors was necessary in the look-up table. This minimum number of vectors ranged from two to six for the majority of the classes. Larger numbers of vectors were placed in the look-up table for classes that were more difficult to classify. / Ph. D.

Upper limb deficiencies in children may be the result of trauma, disease, or congenital problems. Although biomechanical losses are the primary problem associated with a limb deficiency, the loss of such an obvious body part has cosmetic and psychosocial implications as well. Fitting a child with a prosthesis typically is the treatment chosen by families. Presently, there are three types of prostheses available for pediatric amputees, including passive, cable-operated, and myoelectric arms, but the myoelectric appears to be the most popular choice of children and their families. However, there is growing concern among clinicians that, despite its advanced technological capabilities, the myoelectric prosthesis is chosen for aesthetic rather than functional reasons. It is difficult, then, to justify the expense of fitting a myoelectric prosthesis when a more inexpensive prosthesis, or none at all, would be a more appropriate prescription. The question of when to prescribe a myoelectric prosthesis for a pediatric patient remains one of the most controversial questions in the field of prosthetics today due to this cost/benefit issue. In this study, the researcher examined psychological factors that may influence whether or not a child will wear a prosthesis and how that prosthesis will be used. Thirty prosthetics patients of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and their parents answered questionnaires indicating self-perception, social acceptance, and family functioning. A prosthetic usage diary also was completed. Results indicated a significant relationship between optimal residual limb length and increased wearing time. Other trends in the data are discussed. Consideration of these variables by medical staff can be useful in developing appropriate expectations of adherence to treatment by the patient and the family. Recommendations are made for the prescription of pediatric prostheses that are both cost-effective and beneficial.

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING / Includes bibliographical references. / by Ronny N. Galloway. / M.S.

Thesis: B.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biology, 1977 / by Gene Paul Masters. / B.S. / B.S. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biology

Thesis. 1977. B.S.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Includes bibliographical references. / B.S.

The Master´s thesis summarizes the knowledge about controlling of myoelectric prostheses. The Introduction part of this work provides an overview of the anatomy of muscles and their contraction. In case of restricted function of hand, it is necessary to compensate this deficiency by using prosthetic limbs. Among one of the most technically difficult is robotic prosthesis. In this semestral work is myoelectric prosthesis replaced by a robotic arm. Arm is controlled by the electromyographic signals. The signals are recorded by Biopac acquision unit, then processed in LabVIEW and robotic system is controlled by the Arduino platform.

The aim of this study was to develop methodics of occupational therapy for patients with moelectric prosthesis, which is used by patients with amputation of upper limbs as well as patients with congenital problems. In the Czech republic there are no complex methodics about occupational therapy and myoelectric prosthesis, despite the huge mount of foreign studies of this topic. Myoelectric prosthesis uses the principle of sensing myoelectrical signals which are then transformed to the motor output in the terminal portion of the prosthesis. Occupational therapy intervention begins at the preprosthetic phase, the occupational therapist assesses the general potential for the use of myoelectric prosthesis and picks up myoelectric signals from the stump. In interprosthetic phase occupational therapist is dedicated to the training of activities of daily living with myoelectric prosthesis and training residual stump on the basis of myotest. The phase after prosthetic content of occupational therapy evaluation and assessment, which focus on patients ability of myoelectric control and prosthesis involvement in activities of daily living and training of grip. Within the training of grip, occupational therapist is dedicated to training proper grip within the pace, grip strength and targeted movements. The...