Now, an app lets amputees program their own bionic hands

Philadelphia, May 5: Double-amputee Jason Koger used to fly to visit a clinician when he wanted to adjust the grips on his bionic hands. Myoelectric hands, which react to electrical impulses generated by his remaining arm muscles, offer more precise movements.The previous version of Koger's myoelectric device required programming by a prosthetist, meaning Koger had to fly to Advanced Arm Dynamics in Dallas. The prosthetist would work with Koger to pick a few grip patterns — such as pinching, pointing or shaking hands — to program into the i-limb.Yet sometimes Koger would get home and realize they weren't the ones he needed. On Thursday, he demonstrated by gripping an orange, a baseball and a can of soda.The i-limb allows fingers and thumbs move independently to conform around certain objects, said Ryan Spill, a prosthetist for Advanced Arm Dynamics who is working with Koger. But experts note that technology for upper extremity bionics, which involve fine motor skills, is much different from what's needed for lower extremities, which focus on weight distribution and gait.There have also been huge advances in computerized knees and feet, said Joe Reda, assistant director of orthotic and prosthetic services at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey.