A neural interface enables people to control a new type of prosthesis using their thoughts. This so-called bionic leg is intended to give the feeling that the prosthesis is part of the body.
A prosthesis can significantly improve the lives of people who have lost their legs, but they are often difficult to move. A new neural interface now connects a bionic limb with the nerve endings in the thigh. This means that those affected can control the prosthesis using their thoughts.
The device is the result latest research in this area. It could make people with below-knee amputations feel like the prosthesis is part of them.
Hugh Herr, one of the study’s lead authors, is himself a bilateral below-the-knee amputee. In a statement, he explains that the connection of the brain with the new prosthesis can give the feeling that it is part of one’s own anatomy.
Neural interface enables control of prosthesis via thoughts
To connect the neural interface to a prosthesis, two steps are necessary. First, patients undergo surgery. In this, doctors connect the remaining parts of the shinbone and calf muscles after a lower leg amputation. This reconstruction is intended to allow more dynamic movement of the prosthesis and reduce phantom pain.
In the second step, surface electrodes measure the nerve activity that the brain sends to the calf and shin muscles to indicate the intent to move. A small computer in the bionic prosthesis decodes these signals and moves the leg accordingly. Comparative studies show that patients with neural interfaces can run 41 percent faster and avoid obstacles more skillfully.
Prosthesis feels like part of your own body
Affected people described that the prosthesis felt more like a part of their body. Doctors could perform the surgery both during and years after an amputation. However, it does not work equally well for all patients.
Surface electrodes that enable full neuronal control will only be available for clinical use in a few years. Herr and his team at MIT are working to replace these electrodes with magnetic balls that can track muscle movements more accurately. The long-term goal is to completely reconstruct bodies and achieve comprehensive neural integration.
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The article Bionic leg: This prosthesis can be controlled by thoughts by Felix Baumann appeared first on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.