Forearm amputees' views of prosthesis use and sensory feedback

Abstract

Study design: Qualitative descriptive.

Introduction: The lack of sensory feedback in today's hand prostheses has been in focus recently but the amputees' experiences need to be further investigated.

Purpose: To explore forearm amputees' views of prosthesis use and sensory feedback.

Methods: Thirteen unilateral congenital or traumatic forearm amputees were interviewed. The transcribed text was subjected to content analysis.

Results: Prostheses both facilitate and limit occupational performance. Appearance is important for identity and blending into society. The feeling of agency regarding the prostheses is present but not that of body ownership. Future expectations concerned improved mobility, cosmetics, and sensory feedback.

Conclusions: This study allows a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between a prosthetic device and the wearer. Today's prostheses allow the wearer to feel agency concerning the artificial limb but the lack of sensory feedback seems to be an important factor still blocking the achievement of body ownership of the prosthesis.

Level of evidence: Not applicable.

Keywords: Agency; Body ownership; Hand prosthesis; Phantom limb; Qualitative study; Sensory feedback; Tactile sensation.