My Path to Independence: How Isabelle Makes Her Bionic Hand Second Nature
By Isabelle
Hi, I’m Isabelle. I wear a myoelectric above-elbow prosthesis and have been the proud owner of my VINCENTevolution bionic hand since 2020.
I have to say, when I first found myself alone in everyday life with the prosthetic hand, I felt slightly overwhelmed. Controlling a myoelectric prosthetic hand requires a change in mindset: no intuitive grasping anymore, but instead the active contraction of my biceps and triceps muscle signals. For someone inexperienced, this is exhausting — both for the muscles and the brain. Using these two muscle signals, 16 different grip patterns can be controlled via a grip scheme. So there I stood, trying to imagine which grip would be best suited to open a simple tea bag package. Then I had to intensely concentrate to recall the grip pattern so I knew which muscle combination to activate in order to reach that grip. Only then could I start the action.
At the beginning, I had to accept that everyday activities took significantly more time than if I had simply done them with one hand. I needed patience, determination, and kindness toward myself, while staying highly focused and careful as I established reliable prosthetic control. But I really wanted this amazing bionic hand prosthesis, with all its functions, to become a part of me. So I consistently practiced with it in everyday life wherever possible.
Practice makes perfect, and the brain is absolutely capable of relearning. Through my efforts, I quickly noticed progress: control became faster and smoother, success experiences increased, and I became more skillful in using the prosthesis. Cups no longer shattered on the floor, bottles were no longer crushed with excessive force, and I no longer had to plan extra time for daily activities. Operating the different grips became automatic, and the grip pattern was firmly memorized.
By now, the upper arm prosthesis has become a part of me that I would never want to be without. I would feel lost if I had to navigate life with only one arm. In many everyday situations, the prosthesis supports me, such as tying my shoes, opening packaging, or unlocking my apartment door, which requires pulling the door with one hand while turning the key in the lock. I have truly come to appreciate the VINCENTevolution bionic hand and all its advantages. The precision and fine motor skills of the hand are incredible. With the pinch grip, I can even grasp and tear open the small tabs on yogurt cups. Thanks to vibration feedback while gripping, I have gradually developed a kind of sense of touch. I can now accurately judge how firmly I am gripping with the prosthetic hand and when the applied force is sufficient. My bionic hand prosthesis has given me back independence, acceptance, normality, and a sense of completeness. It is no longer a foreign object to me. The prosthesis is now my arm.