Regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNIs) and implanted electrodes improve online control of prostheses for...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroprosthetics
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Upper limb amputation significantly impairs daily activities and independence.
• Surface electromyography (sEMG) for prosthetic control has limitations in signal quality and functionality.
• Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (RPNIs) offer a novel approach for neuromuscular signal acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of implanted electrodes in RPNIs for controlling prosthetic hands and wrists.
• To compare the performance of implanted electromyography (iEMG) signals against conventional sEMG.
• To assess the impact of improved prosthetic control on functional task performance and compensatory movements.

Main Methods:

• Neuromuscular RPNIs were created and implanted with intramuscular EMG (iEMG) electrodes in two individuals with upper-limb amputation.
• EMG signals were recorded simultaneously from surface (sEMG) and implanted (iEMG) electrodes.
• Real-time control of a virtual prosthetic hand and wrist was performed, with performance evaluated through multiple degrees-of-freedom (DoF) tasks.

Main Results:

• iEMG electrodes demonstrated high signal-to-noise ratios and long-term stability.
• Participants achieved faster, more accurate, and reliable control with iEMG compared to sEMG.
• Implanted electrodes significantly reduced task completion times in functional assessments, especially with wrist rotation control.

Conclusions:

• RPNIs with iEMG electrodes provide more accurate and stable control of prosthetic hand and wrist movements than sEMG.
• Implanted electrodes offer significant advantages for intuitive and reliable prosthetic control in real-world conditions.
• This technology holds promise for enhancing dexterity and independence for individuals with upper limb amputations.