Motor performance with a simulated artificial limb

The present study was conducted to examine performance differences on a rea ching and grasping task related to an activity of daily living. This involv ed ei ther the anatomical limb or a simulated artificial limb. College-aged volunteers (2 men and) women), one of whom was left-handed, performed the reaching and grasping task. The apparatus, placed on a table before the sea red participant, nas a square wooden board which contained a starting key a nd holes for the insertion and removal of a small Fiberglass dowel. Ar the beginning of the trial the participant depressed the starr key, reached for ward and grasped the dowel, and then returned the dowel to a finishing hole located directly in front of the start key. The results of 2 (side) x 2 (t ype of limb) repeated-measures multivariate analyses of variance on the mea n and standard deviation of the movement times showed a significant main ef fect for type of Limb (Wilks lambda(3,3)=.047 and .079, respectively, p<.05 ). Analyses of variance on mean total transport time, extension rime, flexi on rims, and their standard deviations show ed that times were slower and l ess consistent with the prosthesis for all measures. These results and thos e: of later research should be focused on the development of training princ iples for both therapists and individuals with an amputation. In addition, the simulated prosthesis is an excellent experimental model for basic and c linical research in the control and acquisition of coordinated movement.