Breaking Down Barriers: Making Prosthetic Testing More Inclusive

The Problem with Traditional Testing

For many upper-limb amputees, prosthetic devices are more than tools—they’re lifelines to independence. Yet, when it comes to evaluating prosthetic functionality, the tests we rely on sometimes fall short.

Take the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHF) as an example. This widely used assessment measures hand function through tasks like picking up small objects, stacking checkers, or simulating page-turning. While helpful, the test has a significant limitation: it often creates what researchers call “floor effects.”

What are floor effects? Simply put, this happens when a test is too challenging for certain participants, causing their scores to cluster at the bottom of the scale. In the case of the JTHF, tasks like picking up tiny items or manipulating objects can be nearly impossible for users with more proximal (closer to the shoulder) amputations or those new to prosthetics. This leaves testers unable to detect subtle improvements in dexterity, even if a user is making progress.

  

Why Testing Needs to Change

Floor effects highlight a bigger issue: many traditional testing methods fail to reflect the real-world challenges amputees face.

For instance:

 

• Limited Scope: Many tests don’t consider how prosthetic users adapt their movements or use tools differently to achieve the same outcome.
• Overly Rigid Standards: Scoring often compares amputees to able-bodied individuals, rather than celebrating functional gains unique to prosthetic users.
• Neglecting User Feedback: Tests rarely incorporate input from the people who know best—prosthetic users themselves.

 

At Marins Med, we believe prosthetic testing should go beyond clinical checkboxes. It should reflect how devices work in the real world, empowering users to measure progress in ways that matter to them.

  

How Marins Med is Breaking Barriers

At Marins Med, we’re redefining how prosthetic functionality is evaluated by prioritizing inclusivity and real-world performance. Here’s how:

 

1. Listening to Users
   We actively gather feedback from prosthetic users to understand their day-to-day experiences. What tasks do they struggle with? How can a device make their lives easier? By addressing these questions, we ensure our products, like the ProHensor, meet real needs.
2. Redefining Success
   Rather than focusing on tasks that mimic able-bodied function, we design for what matters most to users. For example, the ProHensor’s self-actuated locking system makes gripping tools or objects easier and more secure—improving function in ways traditional tests might overlook.
3. Real-World Testing
   Partnering with engineering experts at Root3Labs, we test our designs in environments that mimic everyday challenges. Whether it’s carrying heavy objects or performing precise tasks, we ensure our devices perform where it counts.
4. Innovating for Inclusivity
   We’re committed to creating products that work for all amputation levels. For users with proximal amputations, the ProHensor offers a level of functionality that many body-powered devices struggle to achieve—filling a critical gap in the market.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Prosthetic Testing

The prosthetic industry needs to rethink its approach to testing. At Marins Med, we envision a future where:

 

• Testing methods reflect the diversity of prosthetic users, from those with transradial amputations to those with more complex needs.
• Progress is measured not against arbitrary benchmarks but by real-world outcomes like increased independence and satisfaction.
• User voices guide every stage of prosthetic development, from testing to final design.

 

Conclusion

Breaking down barriers in prosthetic testing is about more than better metrics—it’s about creating devices that truly improve lives. At Marins Med, we’re proud to lead this charge, designing products like the ProHensor that work for all users, regardless of their starting point.

Together, we can build a world where every prosthetic user has the tools they need to succeed, and where progress is measured not by the limits of a test, but by the possibilities of a life well-lived.

Want to know how Marins Med is shaping the future of prosthetics? Contact us today!

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