Ongoing development of Implantable Myoelectric Sensors (IMES) technology increases the number and integrity of electromyographic (EMG) control signals. The long-term vision of this research proposal is to recreate construction of natural motor behavior in hand/wrist prostheses. Specifically, it is proposed to investigate the use of simplifying strategies and postural synergies by the intact central and peripheral nervous systems in controlling complex reach-to-grasp movements. Subjects will perform reaching movements to grasp objects found in an everyday task environment, requiring different grasp patterns. Intramuscular EMG data from up to ten extrinsic hand muscles, along with kinematic hand and wrist data, will be recorded during grasping. Independent component analysis techniques will be used to analyze EMG and kinematic data to determine the existence of simple postural synergies. These simplifying strategies will also be investigated in amputees for controlling complex hand/wrist prostheses. By creating a prosthesis controller that implements simplifying strategies much like the intact motor control system, it is hoped that more functionality can be added to hand/wrist prostheses without increasing the user's mental load.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31HD049319-02
Application #
7174206
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-DIG-B (29))
Program Officer
Quatrano, Louis A
Project Start
2005-01-01
Project End
2007-12-31
Budget Start
2006-01-01
Budget End
2006-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$28,290
Indirect Cost
Name
Northwestern University at Chicago
Department
Physical Medicine & Rehab
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
005436803
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60611