Using an Elemental Analysis of the Motion Pattern to Assess the Work Performance of Amputees

Abstract

Twelve different objects were manipulated to test the usefulness of a standard industrial engineering method analysis procedure in evaluating amputees' motions. A profile was developed for analyzing the performance of amputees. The profile displays the contribution of the various motion elements to the overall task performance time. The study tested whether this procedure could identify motion elements that produce significant difficulties and time delays in amputees' occupational performance. Actual (measured) performance time of Methods Time Measurement (MTM) elements were compared for two subject groups, amputees and nonamputees. Kinesiological analysis and biomechanical considerations supported the utility of such a profile. Amputees' performance profiles can be used, for example, to improve the design of prosthetic devices that replace the natural hand.

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