Training is important for arm amputees if they are to accept their artificial limbs. Myoelectric arms are sophisticated devices. Training in how to use them is required in order to operate them to their full potential.

• When is the Best Time to Start Wearing a Myoelectric Arm?
• Why is Training So Important?
• What Are the Phases of Myoelectric Training?
• Helpful Tips 

When is the Best Time to Start Wearing a Myoelectric Arm?

Children can start wearing a myoelectric arm as early as age one. Using a myoelectric arm during the early stages of childhood development allows the limb to gradually become part of everyday life and allows it to be incorporated within the child's body image. Adults acquiring an amputation later in life also benefit from an early fitting. You must remember that training and practice are required to get the most from the fitting.

Training enables arm amputees to:

• Operate the arm automatically, without exerting more energy than is necessary.
• Use the arm efficiently for tasks they often perform.
• Analyse the best way to use the arm for unusual or new tasks.
• Wear the arm so it looks as natural as possible.
• Care for the arm to keep it looking clean and working well.

What Are the Phases of Myoelectric Training? 

Signal Training

During this phase of training the amputee learns to select and control the muscle(s) required to operate the myoelectric arm. The amputee also learns how to produce control signals at will, and to inhibit the signals when movement is not required. Electrodes are placed over the selected muscles and connected to a trainer which prompts the amputee to flex/contract the muscles and provides feedback.

Control Training

During this phase, the amputee learns to control the muscle(s) appropriately to perform a required function or task. Electrodes are placed on the appropriate muscle(s) and connected to a pair of lights, an electric hand, or a toy (for children). These provide feedback to the amputee on their success with the task. A variety of objects of different sizes and textures may later be used to help the amputee practise grasping and releasing while learning to control the hand.

Functional Training

This is the most intensive phase of training, when you actually learn to complete full tasks with the hand. It is important to ensure the artificial limb fits properly before beginning this phase. Simple tasks are assigned to allow each pattern to be learned. Gradually more complex, realistic activities are introduced which are suitable to the amputee's age. Children may perform activities such as: sharpening a pencil, fastening and unfastening a zipper, or building with blocks. Adults may do tasks such as: cutting meat, playing cards or putting up an umbrella. It is important to tell the occupational therapist what kinds of activities you would like to perform, so time can be spent learning techniques for things you do often or enjoy doing. Tasks will also be assigned to do on a daily basis at home since "practice makes perfect." Frequent review sessions are often helpful in obtaining maximum function and use of the limb.

• Wearing the arm every day is a useful habit to encourage, as it promotes maximum use of the arm.
• Start by wearing the arm for short periods of time, and gradually increase the time that it is worn, until it is comfortable to wear the arm all day.
• While building up wearing time gradually for a new wearer, parents can have the child wear the arm to school, adults may wear theirs to work, where being able to perform two-handed activities is a definite advantage.
• Personalize your artificial arm - children may want their arms laminated with cartoons or favourite logos - even adults may enjoy this option!
• Several amputees have reported the value of knowing how to use an artificial hand when they suffered a break or injury to their sound hand. Without being able to use the artificial hand for some tasks, they would have been completely dependent on others to do everything for them while their sound limb healed.