Correlating the ACMC with the standard and amended Box and Blocks Ax
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Exploration of the strength of correlation between the modified Box and Blocks assessment, the standard Box and Blocks assessment and the Assessment of Capacity for Myoelectric control, with myoelectric prosthesis users.
IRAS ID
158610
Contact name
Melissa Jacobs
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St Georges University London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
The researcher aims to establish if there is a stronger association between the scores of an assessment which has been amended for use with electronic hand users than the standard version of the same assessment (the Box and Blocks assessment), when compared with scores of an assessment specifically designed for use with amputees (the Assessment of Capacity for Myoelectric Control). The ACMC is reputed to be the most effective measure for electronic (prosthetic) hand users and involves completing a functional task, (packing a suitcase). This assessment is not accessible to the majority of prosthetic therapists in the UK, due to funding and training requirements. The Box and Blocks assessment is a general assessment for all forms of hand disability and involves picking up and releasing wooden blocks with the affected (prosthetic) hand. It is relatively inexpensive to purchase, does not require training and is quick to administer. The Box and Blocks has been highlighted in the literature as a measure with potential for use with prosthetic arm users however it is difficult for prosthesis users to grasp the tightly packed blocks due to the reduced level of movement the hand allows. Therefore, this assessment may not accurately reflect the patient’s ability. It is proposed that a relatively simple modification to this assessment, where fewer blocks are positioned with, gradually decreasing, spaces between, could demonstrate greater sensitivity to the differences between more or less capable users. If successful, this may provide clinicians with a cost effective, easily accessible, assessment for these patients and help shape future practice. This study will focus exclusively on myo-electric prosthesis users who will be recruited from Queen Mary's, Roehampton. Participants will be required to complete these assessments in one session on two different occasions, two months apart. There is no funding available for this research.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
14/NS/1066
Date of REC Opinion
6 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion