Switch and Pressure Sensors

Switches and pressure sensors offer alternative means for controlling an electric prosthesis.^1,2 Switch based devices allow the user to control movement at different joints through switches that are associated with each specific movement.² Some sensors are Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) that are worn on the users shoe. Pressure sensor-based devices allow the user to control movements at different joints by physically applying pressure to a sensor device that is associated with each specific movement. These types of prostheses are appropriate for the same groups of people as myoelectric prostheses, but also offer the additional capability of being controllable by those with nerve damage or neurodegenerative disorders.

• Allow for those with nerve damage or neurodegenerative disorders to enjoy the benefits (described above) of an electric prosthesis.

• Control of these devices is less intuitive than a myoelectric device. Switches and pressure sensors require more thought and instruction to use, compared to a myoelectric device.