Biomechanical analysis of users of multi-articulating externally powered prostheses with and without their device.

Background: Loss of the hand results in significant functional deficits and requires adaptation of movement patterns which may result in overuse injuries. An externally powered prosthesis may improve function of the affected limb and reduce the overreliance on the intact side; however, little research has been done in this area.

Objective: Investigate changes in upper limb function and kinematics in individuals with partial-hand amputations performing a functional assessment by comparing results with and without a multi-articulating hand prosthesis.