Bypassing stroke-damaged neural pathways via a neural interface induces targeted cortical adaptation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Restoring limb function after paralysis, particularly post-stroke, remains a significant challenge.
• Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) offer a potential solution by creating artificial neural pathways.
• Existing BCIs often require extensive training and may not fully restore volitional control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of an artificial cortico-muscular connection (ACMC) in restoring hand function in a primate stroke model.
• To determine if the ACMC can induce adaptive changes in cortical activity to facilitate motor control.
• To assess the plasticity and adaptability of the ACMC system.

Main Methods:

• Subcortical stroke was induced in non-human primates.
• An ACMC was implemented, translating cortical activity into electrical stimulation of hand muscles.
• Cortical activity, specifically high-gamma oscillations, was monitored and modulated during motor tasks.
• The system's ability to reset and target new cortical sites was evaluated.

Main Results:

• Monkeys successfully learned to use the ACMC to regain volitional control of a paralyzed hand.
• The ACMC induced widespread adaptive changes in cortical activity.
• Targeted modulation of high-gamma activity was observed around specific cortical stimulation sites.
• These adaptive changes were rapidly reset and localized to new cortical sites.

Conclusions:

• The ACMC effectively imparts new muscle control capabilities to connected cortical sites.
• The ACMC system promotes cortical adaptation, aiding in the recovery of impaired motor function after stroke.
• This technology holds promise for future neuroprosthetic development and stroke rehabilitation.