BME Seminar Series (Zoom): Quantifying the Impact of Upper Limb Prosthesis Design on Patient Functional Outcomes

Zoom: https://uci.zoom.us/s/97629106431 Password: 198Sem

Abstract: Despite the significant functional limitations imposed by upper limb loss, little research has focused on quantifying the functional outcomes that patients can achieve when using a prosthesis. Without this quantitative baseline, it is difficult to know where to focus attention for improvement in future prosthesis designs. It also becomes challenging for clinicians to document the medical necessity of prosthesis provision to insurance providers, which often obstructs a patient’s access to care. In this presentation, I will share my work towards understanding how functional outcomes relate to the type of prosthesis used, with a focus on current commercially-available systems. The primary outcomes will include embodiment (the extent to which users perceived their prosthesis to be part of their body), movement quality and kinematic compensations. I will also discuss my work on evaluating patient performance using a novel ultrasound-based prosthesis. 

Bio: Susannah Engdahl is the manager of Health Policy and Research at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA). Prior to joining AOPA, Engdahl spent two years working as a postdoctoral researcher in the bioengineering department at George Mason University. She also served as a Fellow with the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics. Engdahl received her Ph.D. (2019) and master’s (2015) in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan, as well as a B.S. (2013) in physics from Wittenberg University.