Differences in myoelectric and body-powered upper-limb prostheses: systematic literature review
Abstract
The choice of a myoelectric or body-powered upper-limb prosthesis can be determined using factors including control, function, feedback, cosmesis, and rejection. Although body-powered and myoelectric control strategies offer unique functions, many prosthesis users must choose one. A systematic review was conducted to determine differences between myoelectric and body-powered prostheses to inform evidence-based clinical practice regarding prescription of these devices and training of users. A search of 9 databases identified 462 unique publications. Ultimately, 31 of them were included and 11 empirical evidence statements were developed. Conflicting evidence has been found in terms of the relative functional performance of body-powered and myoelectric prostheses. Body-powered prostheses have been shown to have advantages in durability, training time, frequency of adjustment, maintenance, and feedback; however, they could still benefit from improvements of control. Myoelectric prostheses have been shown to improve cosmesis and phantom-limb pain and are more accepted for light=intensity work. Currently, evidence is insufficient to conclude that either system provides a significant general advantage. Prosthetic selection should be based on a patient's individual needs and include personal preferences, prosthetic experience, and functional needs. This work demonstrates that there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding functional differences in upper-limb prostheses.
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Body-powered prosthetics have advantage over myoelectric-powered ones because an amputee can touch or feel interaction with objects through the body harness operating the prosthesis.
“Body-powered prosthetics have the advantage over myoelectric-powered ones, because an amputee can touch or feel the interaction with objects through the body harness operating the prosthesis (Carey et al., 2015).”
From Selectivity and Longevity of Peripheral-Nerve and Machine Interfaces: A Review. (2017) · cites this paper as Carey et al., 2015
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- Authors
- Carey, S. L., Lura, D. J., Highsmith, M. J., CP, & FAAOP
- Affiliations
- University of South Florida (US)
- Florida Gulf Coast University (US)
- Venue
- Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
- Published
- 2015
- Volume
- 52
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 247-262
- ISSN
- 0742-3241 (ISSN-L)
- 0748-7711
- 1938-1352
- OpenAlex
- W2291960855
- Cited by
- 227
- References
- 52
- Citations by year
- 2026: 16 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 30 · 2021: 27 · 2020: 19 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 19 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 1.03
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Robotics
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Muscle activation and electromyography studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
- Keywords
- myoelectric prosthesis, body-powered prostheses, upper limb prosthesis, prosthetic control, phantom limb pain, cosmetic outcome, prosthesis acceptance, prosthetic training, prosthetic prescription, functional performance
- MeSH terms
- Amputees, Arm, Artificial Limbs, Biomedical Engineering, Electromyography, Humans, Prosthesis Design
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