Why So Many Choose Body-Powered

Blog by Marins Med

In 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a revealing study on prosthetic satisfaction among upper-limb amputees. Their finding? Satisfaction doesn’t always track with price tag or cutting-edge tech.

That conclusion may come as a surprise to many outside the field. But at Marins Med, it affirms something we’ve always believed: Functionality, comfort, and training often matter more than bells and whistles.

Key Takeaways from the VA Study

Led by Dr. Linda Resnik at the Providence VA Medical Center, the study surveyed 413 Veterans who used upper-limb prostheses. Participants were using one of three common types:

• Myoelectric (externally powered)
• Body-powered
• Cosmetic (non-functional)

Surprisingly, satisfaction ratings did not differ significantly between these groups. In fact, the majority of users—74%—chose body-powered prosthetic devices over other types.

“I thought that people who got the newest and the latest and greatest devices that offer multiple degrees of freedom would be happier with them.”
— Dr. Linda Resnik, lead researcher

This tells a bigger story—one that isn’t about keeping up with the latest prosthetic technology, but about finding a device that meets a user’s needs in the real world.

Why Body-Powered Still Leads

So why did nearly three-quarters of participants in this VA study select body-powered devices?

Here are four likely reasons:

1. Durability and Simplicity

Body-powered prostheses are known for being rugged and easy to maintain. Unlike myoelectric limbs, they don’t require charging, have fewer breakable components, and can often be repaired without specialty parts.

2. Proprioceptive Feedback

Body-powered terminal devices—especially voluntary-closing (VC) models—offer a form of sensory feedback. Users can "feel" the resistance of objects through the harness system and adjust grip accordingly. Newer innovations like the ProHensor (a VC&L device) extend this even further, locking in grip and reducing fatigue.

3. Training and Adaptation

The study also found that users who received training—regardless of the device type—reported greater satisfaction. For body-powered systems, the learning curve is often faster, particularly for those with unilateral amputation who rely heavily on their prosthesis for daily tasks.

4. Realistic Expectations

The data suggests that when prosthesis capabilities align with user expectations, satisfaction increases. While high-tech options may promise more, they can also under-deliver if maintenance or reliability becomes an issue. Body-powered users often report fewer surprises.

Conclusion: It's Not Just About Tech

This study confirms that what amputees need most is a device that works for their life, not just a device that works in theory. At Marins Med, we’re focused on solutions that meet people where they are—combining performance with serviceability.

The ProHensor is designed with this exact mindset. As a voluntary-closing and locking terminal device, it blends the proprioceptive benefits of traditional body-powered systems with innovations that reduce fatigue and increase grip security. And like the best body-powered devices, it can be serviced in the field.

We believe better acceptance comes from better design—and that the device you trust should keep up with your life, not slow it down.

Source:
Department of Veterans Affairs. (2020). Study reports on satisfaction with upper-limb prostheses