Effect of multi-grip myoelectric prosthetic hands on daily activities, pain-related disability and prosthesis use compared with single-grip myoelectric prostheses: A single-case study.

Only 9 participants were studied, and all were already experienced single-grip myoelectric prosthesis users, so it may not apply to new users or other groups. There was no separate control group or random allocation. Each person was compared with their own baseline, so other changes over time cannot be ruled out. The multi-grip hand came with a large training package, including 25-30 hours of occupational therapist-led STAIR training and home practice, so the hand alone cannot be credited for the gains. Some outcomes relied on self-report. The ACMC was not validated for multi-grip hands, and it did not assess choosing and switching between grip types. Missing performance-test data occurred because the multi-grip hands and temporary hands broke down, and repair time could have affected results. For some outcomes, baseline was measured only once, so the starting point may be less stable. Pain-related disability findings are strongest in the 5 participants who reported pain-related limitation at baseline, and the all-participant analysis had smaller changes. Durability was a major problem: all participants had technical issues, and most had short periods without the multi-grip hand.

The paper states prostheses were funded by the government and there was no cost to the individual. No other funding or conflict declaration is included in the supplied text.

Do not conclude the multi-grip hand alone caused the gains. The participants received fitting of a multi-grip hand, 25-30 hours of occupational therapist-led STAIR training, and home practice. Each person was compared only with their own earlier scores, and there was no separate control group.