Advances in the use of electrical stimulation for the recovery of motor function

This chapter sheds light on several issues that are being explored to optimize the application of electrical stimulation in a motor neural prosthesis (MNP) for the restoration of movement in humans with paralysis. Although several MNPs are commercially available, there are issues that limit their use in therapy and/or daily assistance: (1) the users' intention of what and how to move needs to be effectively transmitted to the MNP controller; (2) interface to the neural pathways that leads to physiological-like activation should be improved; (3) artificial control of the MNP should match the biological control of the preserved biological systems; and (4) sensors information should be fused and provided to both the controller of the MNP and the user. We suggest that with the improved use of cortical or other physiological signals, application of multipad electrodes with special protocols, rule-based control that mimics biological control, and with the incorporation of micro- and nanotechnologies, wireless communications, and microcontrollers, the MNP operation can be greatly enhanced. The chapter specifically addresses the control of MNP for the upper extremities and provides details on the new surface multipad electrodes that are of interest for neurorehabilitation of stroke patients.