We explored a new method for simple and accurate control of shoulder movement for externally powered shoulder disarticulation prostheses using a two-axis joystick. Ten subjects with intact shoulders and arms were tested to determine the average amount of shoulder motion and force available for control of an electronic input device. This information was then applied to two different input strategies in order to examine their effectiveness: (1) a traditional strategy implemented with a rocker potentiometer and a pair of force-sensing resistors (FSRs), and (2) a strategy implemented with a two-axis joystick. Three able-bodied subjects and two subjects with shoulder disarticulation amputations attempted to control an experimental powered shoulder using both control strategies. Two powered arms were tested, one with powered flexion/extension and humeral rotation, and one with powered flexion/extension and adduction/abduction. Overwhelmingly, the subjects preferred the joystick control, as it was more intuitively linked with their shoulder movement. Additionally, two motions (one in each axis) could be controlled simultaneously. This pilot study provides valuable insight into an effective means of controlling high-level, externally powered prostheses via a two-axis joystick.
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