Which of the following is a disadvantage of a body-powered prosthesis?

• A. Proprioceptive feedback
• B. Restrictive harness
• C. Lightweight and no harness
• D. Increased cosmesis

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the harness used with a body-powered prosthesis creates a notable drawback. This system uses a cable and harness strapped around the chest or shoulder to operate the terminal device, so moving your residual limb or torso pulls the cable to open and close the hand. That harness allows precise, intuitive control and provides proprioceptive feedback—you feel the grip and load directly, which is a practical advantage. But because the harness surrounds the upper body, it can be restrictive: it may limit shoulder and torso movement, be uncomfortable or irritating to the skin, cause sweating, and require extra effort to don and doff or to wear with clothing. The other options describe things that are not disadvantages of body-powered devices: proprioceptive feedback is a benefit, not a drawback; a device that is lightweight with no harness is not typical of body-powered prostheses; and increased cosmesis isn’t a standard advantage since the harness can detract from appearance.