A body-powered device can be a hand or hook operated by means of a cable and harness system.

These types of devices are a practical choice for some amputees because they facilitate many functions and tasks, and weigh less than an electric arm. Mechanical hands are both functional and have a natural appearance.

The cable and harness system of a body-powered device is operated by using back and shoulder muscles and movements - when the cable is pulled it either opens (voluntary opening) or closes (voluntary closing) the hand or hook.

• Hosmer 
• Otto Bock 
• Therapeutic Recreation Systems 

There are many alternatives in hands and devices, including myoelectrics. Discuss the tasks you would like to be able to perform with your prosthetist, and together you can find something that meets your needs.

Child CAPP Hand - voluntary opening

• Has an internal spring-loaded mechanism with three different springs (soft, medium and firm) to adjust the grip force.
• The hand closes to allow the child to hold objects, such as a pen in a natural writing position.

CAPP Terminal Device - voluntary opening

• Designed for children, it is an alternative to the hook.
• Has textured "teeth" on the palm and thumb to give a sure grip.

Hooks (Dorrance) - voluntary opening

• Offers hooks in sizes from child to adult. Child's hook is covered with plastic to minimize chance of injury.
• No glove or delicate mechanism means the amputee can work hard or play hard with little need for maintenance.
• Fingers allow precision manipulation of small or thin objects, and are thin enough to let the amputee see what they are picking up. 

Mechanical Hands - voluntary opening and closing

• A cosmetic glove is worn over the hand.
• One version, the NY Mechanical Hand, is lightweight and designed for two to six-year-old children. 

Otto Bock Hooks - voluntary opening

• Offers hooks in sizes from child, adolescent and adult. Child and adolescent hooks are covered in plastic to minimize the chance of injury.
• No glove or delicate mechanism means the amputee can work hard or play hard with little need for maintenance.
• Fingers allow precision manipulation of small or thin objects, and are thin enough to let the amputee see what they are picking up.

Otto Bock System Hands - voluntary opening and closing

• A cosmetic glove is worn over the hand.
• Hand locks automatically in the closed position.
• Available in many sizes - children, adolescents and adults.

ADEPT - voluntary closing

• The ADEPT is a lighter alternative to TRS' adult sized GRIP device.
• Voluntary closing function gives sensory input by allowing the amputee to "feel," by the amount of tension in the cable, how much gripping force is being exerted.

GRIP - voluntary closing

• Some models have a range of gripping strengths which can exceed 100 pounds, making them suitable for heavy work, but also delicate tasks.
• Three versions of the GRIP are available - GRIP I is suitable for the below-elbow adult amputee and GRIP II and GRIP III for ages 11 to adult.

Lite-Touch Biomechanical Hands - voluntary closing

• Natural-looking - has realistic anatomical features on the fingers and thumb.
• The hand comes in three sizes: three-five years; five-nine years; and nine years to small adults.