A Review of Proprioceptive Feedback Strategies for Upper-Limb Myoelectric Prostheses

Upper extremity prostheses have seen significant technological advances in recent years, primarily with the advent of myoelectric prostheses and other designs incorporating mechatronic elements. Although they do not replicate the functionality of the natural hand, users now have a way of communicating their movement intentions to the prosthesis. However, the lack of physiological feedback from the device to the user can hinder proper integration of the prosthesis, and can be a contributing factor in the rejection of the technology. This is why experts point out that sensory feedback is one of the main missing features of commercial prostheses. The literature surrounding the restoration of somatosensation primarily discusses strategies to emulate tactile perception, but few address proprioceptive perception, which is the ability to perceive limb position and movement. Yet, proprioception has been shown to be a crucial element in object manipulation. This article offers an in-depth look into the literature surrounding proprioceptive perception restoration strategies for users of upper limb prostheses by identifying and comparing the documented strategies in relation to the concept of an optimal sensory feedback restoration device.