The Yale Undergraduate Research Journal
Abstract
In science fiction, prosthetic limbs appear as seamless extensions of the human body that function as if the limbs were made of flesh and bone. With recent technological and scientific advancements, the prosthetic limbs of today are beginning to resemble those we once only imagined. Patients are now able to perform simple, everyday tasks like drinking from a glass of water. However, there are many limitations to this technology, including lack of fine motor movement, absence of reflexes, and missing sensory feedback from the prosthetic limb. These restrictions prohibit prosthetics patients from having the same experience as someone with a biological limb. This paper touches upon the limitations of prosthetics today and applies the findings of current neuroscience research to address these shortcomings to identify potential solutions and areas for further research.
Recommended Citation
Conley, Makayla
(2021)
"Turning Science Fiction into Reality: Enhanced Motor Learning for Prosthetic Limbs,"
The Yale Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 30.
Available at:
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/yurj/vol2/iss1/30