Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41600539›Full record

SynthesisSensors (Basel, Switzerland)2026

Redefining Prosthetic Needs: Insights from Individuals with Upper Limb Loss-A Systematic Review.

Andreia Caldas, Demétrio Matos, Adam de Eyto, Nuno Martins

Abstract readSystematic ReviewReview
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Andreia CaldasID+ Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture, School of Design, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal.ORCID 0000-0002-0725-798X
Demétrio MatosID+ Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture, School of Design, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal.ORCID 0000-0003-4417-6115
Adam de EytoLSAD Research Institute, Limerick School of Art & Design, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), V94 KX22 Limerick, Ireland.ORCID 0000-0002-4628-5289
Nuno MartinsID+ Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture, School of Design, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal.ORCID 0000-0002-5228-5453

Funding

Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia UIDB/04057
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundUpper limb loss has a profound impact on individuals' daily activities, self-image, and social interactions. Despite continuous technological advances in upper-limb prosthetics, high rates of device abandonment persist, highlighting the need to better understand users' functional and psychosocial needs.

methodsTo gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives of upper limb amputees and the synthesis of their needs across ergonomic, functional, and psychological dimensions, this study was conducted. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to synthesize user-reported evidence on upper-limb prosthesis use. Articles indexed in the Web of Science database between 2016 and December 2023 were screened using predefined search terms related to upper-limb amputation, prostheses, social impact, and user needs. Studies were included if they reported direct perspectives of upper-limb prosthesis users regarding usability, functionality, and lived experience.

resultsOut of 239 papers identified, 31 were included and analyzed. The findings reveal that functional performance, comfort, weight, intuitive control, and reliability are strongly interconnected with psychosocial factors such as confidence, embodiment, social participation, and acceptance. Technological advances have not consistently translated into improved alignment between prosthetic solutions and user needs, which is reflected in continued dissatisfaction and abandonment.

conclusionsThis review provides a structured synthesis of user-reported needs across functional, ergonomic, and psychosocial dimensions, translating these insights into design-relevant guidelines. Emphasizing a user-centered and interdisciplinary perspective, the findings aim to support the development of upper-limb prosthetic devices that are more usable, acceptable, and aligned with users' expectations, ultimately bridging the gap between user expectations and technological capabilities and promoting long-term adoption and quality of life.

Indexed as

AmputeesArtificial LimbsUpper ExtremityActivities of Daily LivingHumansProsthesis Designamputationprosthesisrequirementsupper-limbuser needswearable

Identifiers

PMID41600539
PMCPMC12845584

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.