Vibrotactile Feedback for a Person with Transradial Amputation and Visual Loss: A Case Report

Abstract

Background and Objectives: After major upper-limb amputation, people face challenges due to losing tactile information and gripping function in their hands. While vision can confirm the success of an action, relying on it diverts attention from other sensations and tasks. This case report presents a 30-year-old man with traumatic, complete vision loss and transradial left forearm amputation. It emphasizes the importance of restoring tactile abilities when visual compensation is impossible. Materials and Methods: A prototype tactile feedback add-on system was developed, consisting of a sensor glove and upper arm cuff with related vibration actuators. Results: We found a 66% improvement in the Box and Blocks test and an overall functional score increase from 30% to 43% in the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure with feedback. Qualitative improvements in bimanual activities, ergonomics, and reduced reliance on the unaffected hand were observed. Incorporating the tactile feedback system improved the precision of grasping and the utility of the myoelectric hand prosthesis, freeing the unaffected hand for other tasks. Conclusions: This case demonstrated improvements in prosthetic hand utility achieved by restoring peripheral sensitivity while excluding the possibility of visual compensation. Restoring tactile information from the hand and fingers could benefit individuals with impaired vision and somatosensation, improving acceptance, embodiment, social integration, and pain management.

Keywords

• peripheral phantom limb map
• somatosensory feedback
• visual control
• blindness
• vibration