Feasibility of generating 90 Hz vibrations in remote implanted magnets

Limb amputation not only reduces the motor abilities of an individual, but also destroys afferent channels that convey essential sensory information to the brain. Significant efforts have been made in the area of upper limb prosthetics to restore sensory feedback, through the stimulation of residual sensory elements. Most of the past research focused on the replacement of tactile functions. On the other hand, the difficulties in eliciting proprioceptive sensations using either haptic or (neural) electrical stimulation, has limited researchers to rely on sensory substitution. Here we propose the myokinetic stimulation interface, that aims at restoring natural proprioceptive sensations by exploiting the so-called tendon illusion, elicited through the vibration of magnets implanted inside residual muscles. We present a prototype which exploits 12 electromagnetic coils to vibrate up to four magnets implanted in a forearm mockup. The results demonstrated that it is possible to generate highly directional and frequency-selective vibrations. The system proved capable of activating a single magnet, out of many. Hence, this interface constitutes a promising approach to restore naturally perceived proprioception after an amputation. Indeed, by implanting several magnets in independent muscles, it would be possible to restore proprioceptive sensations perceived as coming from single digits.