Flexible and static wrist units in upper limb prosthesis users: Functionality scores,user satisfaction and compensatory movements

Background: the current study examines the relevance of prosthetic wrist movement to facilitate activities of daily living or to prevent overuse complaints. prosthesis hands with wrist flexion/extension capabilities are commercially available,but research on the users' experiences with flexible wrists is limited. methods: in this study,eight transradial amputees using a myoelectric prosthesis tested two prosthesis wrists with flexion/extension capabilities,the flex-wrist (otto bock) and multi-flex wrist (motion control),in their flexible and static conditions. differences between the wrists were assessed on the levels of functionality,user satisfaction and compensatory movements after two weeks use. results: no significant differences between flexible and static wrist conditions were found on activity performance tests and standardized questionnaires on satisfaction. inter-individual variation was remarkably large. participants' satisfaction tended to be in favour of flexible wrists. all participants but one indicated that they would choose a prosthesis hand with wrist flexion/extension capabilities if allowed a new prosthesis. shoulder joint angles,reflecting compensatory movements,showed no clear differences between wrist conditions. conclusions: overall,positive effects of flexible wrists are hard to objectify. users seem to be more satisfied with flexible wrists. a person's needs,work and prosthesis skills should be taken into account when prescribing a prosthesis wrist. trial registration: nederlands trial register ntr3984. © 2016 deijs et al.