This week in lab our class completed our first big project of the semester, a mock upper extremity prosthesis with a figure of 8 harness. It was a good experience to feel what it is like to use the harness and how to set it up for maximum efficiency. By not being able to use your hand and instead having to use a hook to pick things up, it quickly makes you realize why the harness needs to be as efficient and functional for the patient as possible.


I really like when I get to do projects like this mock prosthesis, since it gives you a sense of what it is like to be the patient. By being able to get the patient’s perspective of the fit and feel of an orthosis or prosthesis, it helps you realize what you need to do to make sure the orthosis or prosthesis works the way you intended and that it is also comfortable. I think it just helps, especially students, to experience what it is like to be in your patient’s shoes or socket.