Reach and grasp by people with tetraplegia using a neurally controlled robotic arm.

ABSTRACT: Paralysis following spinal cord injury, brainstem stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other disorders can disconnect the brain from the body, eliminating the ability to perform volitional movements. A neural interface system could restore mobility and independence for people with paralysis by translating neuronal activity directly into control signals for assistive devices. We have previously shown that people with long-standing tetraplegia can use a neural interface system to move and click a computer cursor and to control physical devices. Able-bodied monkeys have used a neural interface system to control a robotic arm, but it is unknown whether people with profound upper extremity paralysis or limb loss could use cortical neuronal ensemble signals to direct useful arm actions. Her

SUBMITTER: Hochberg LR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3640850 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature