MedStar Research Focus September 2008
Focus on Advancement
MedStar Research Institute … advancing health through research
Study Validates Need for Prosthetic Training to Achieve Desired Function
Even with the significant advancements in prosthetic technology, little research has
focused on understanding the importance of training with the provision of a new
prosthesis. To explore this issue, a recent study conducted by Alexander
Dromerick, MD, Peter Lum, PhD., and colleagues at the National Rehabilitation
Hospital seeks to understand the effects of training on upper-limb prosthetic
functioning. The research also focused on assessing the sensitivity of selected
outcome measures in detecting functional change. The study was conducted in an
outpatient rehabilitation clinic with a chronic bilateral above-elbow arm amputee. The
participant was provided with a new prosthetic device, along with the delivery of 13
occupational therapy sessions addressing prosthetic arm functioning.
Results of their study showed initial decline in functioning with the provision of the
new device, yet performance gradually improved with prosthetic training. All
measures were able to detect change; however there was a wide variability of
change. Additionally, prosthetic training was also associated with improvements in
the speed of prosthetic movement.
Findings of the study validate the need for a comprehensive training approach with the provision of a
new upper limb prosthetic device. For further information regarding this study, please contact:
• Alexander Dromerick, MD, Alexander.w.dromerick@medstar.net, 202-877-1932, or;
• Rahsaan Holley, MS, OTR, Rahsaan.Holley@medstar.net, 202- 877-1875
MedStar Research Welcomes Clinical Trial Opportunities Through Quintiles
MedStar Research Institute and Quintiles, Inc. – an international contract research organization – have
initiated a collaboration to bring greater research and clinical trial opportunities to the MedStar Health
clinical community