Transforming the Anthropomorphic Passive Free-Flow Foot Prosthesis Into a Powered Foot Prosthesis With Intuitive...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroprosthetics
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• High rates of service members with amputations do not return to duty.
• Restoring intuitive neural control and somatosensation is crucial for prosthetic safety and efficacy.
• Commercial lower-limb prostheses lack natural somatosensory feedback.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a neuroprosthesis with intuitive bidirectional control and somatosensation.
• To improve prosthetic rehabilitation and long-term functional outcomes for amputees.
• To evoke phase-dependent locomotor reflexes through neural stimulation.

Main Methods:

• Implanted a skin and bone integrated pylon with a peripheral neural interface into a cat's distal tibia.
• Placed electromyographic electrodes in the residual gastrocnemius muscle and nerve cuff electrodes on the distal tibial and sciatic nerves.
• Integrated the bidirectional neural interface into a passive Free-Flow Foot and Ankle prosthesis.

Main Results:

• The developed bidirectional neural interface was successfully integrated into a commercial prosthesis.
• Cats walked on a treadmill with the neuroprosthesis.
• Locomotion was achieved with and without cutaneous feedback, utilizing residual distal tibial nerve stimulation during the stance phase.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates the feasibility of a neuroprosthesis with bidirectional control and somatosensation.
• This technology has the potential to significantly enhance prosthetic limb function and user experience.
• Further development could lead to improved mobility and quality of life for amputees.