The impact of biofeedback on adaptation to upper limb prosthesis using SHaRe System: a case study

Amputation is the partial or total loss of a limb, and little is known about the true consequences for well-being and daily life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biofeedback on adaptation training for upper limb myoelectric prostheses using a sensory system. In this project, categorized as a micro-focus on one actor, a multimethodological approach was used, in which qualitative and quantitative data were integrated and analyzed. A semi-structured interview and standard instruments, such as the Functional Independence Measure and the Box and Blocks Test, were used to conduct the assessment. Following that, a distance intervention plan was implemented. Functional performance and handgrip force control improved after five weeks of intervention. There was a 62,50% progression in the Box and Blocks Test results. The range of handgrip force variations decreased from 0,49 - 4,79 kgf, in the first week, to 0,24 - 3,07kgf, at the end of the intervention. Telerehabilitation and virtual environments were also discovered to be motivating factors for the process. Biofeedback demonstrated positive effects on the training of upper limb myoelectric prostheses, proving to be a novel tool in amputee rehabilitation