The proposed research aims to develop a brain-computer interface that uses chronically-implanted cortical electrodes in the monkey to control stimulation of arm muscles. Monkeys will be trained to match wrist torque targets, and cortical neurons will be identified that are modulated during wrist movements. Subsequently, we will test that these cortical units can be volitionally controlled by the monkey using an operant conditioning paradigm. After temporarily blocking peripheral nerve activity, we will connect the activity of these cortical neurons to control muscle stimulation, and allow animals to learn to produce wrist movements using this artificial circuit. In subsequent experiments, we will develop a small neurochip system that can be attached to the monkey and permit online discrimination of motor cortex activity and convert this activity into stimulation of wrist flexor and extensor muscles. This neurochip system will be completely autonomous, and represents a major step toward permitting artificial stimulating circuits to function during free behavior. The long-term goal of the proposed research is to develop an implantable brain-computer interface capable of bypassing spinal cord lesions and restoring movement to spinal cord injured patients.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32NS051013-01A1
Application #
6999642
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02B (20))
Program Officer
Chen, Daofen
Project Start
2005-08-01
Project End
2008-07-31
Budget Start
2005-08-01
Budget End
2006-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$48,296
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Moritz, Chet T; Fetz, Eberhard E (2011) Volitional control of single cortical neurons in a brain-machine interface. J Neural Eng 8:025017
Moritz, Chet T; Perlmutter, Steve I; Fetz, Eberhard E (2008) Direct control of paralysed muscles by cortical neurons. Nature 456:639-42