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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Measuring and Manipulating Functionally Specific Neural Pathways in the Human Motor System with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: February 23, 2020
Distinct neural modes carry information about attempted grasp timing and force in the sensorimotor cortex
G H Blumenthal1,2,3, B M Dekleva1,2,3, C Gontier1,2,4
1Rehab Neural Engineering Labs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15219.
Summary
Researchers studied neural activity in individuals with tetraplegia attempting hand grasps. They identified distinct neural patterns encoding attempted force, crucial for developing brain-computer interfaces to restore hand function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Restoring dexterous hand function after spinal cord injury is a significant challenge.
- Understanding sensorimotor cortex dynamics during grasping is vital for effective interventions.
- Individuals with tetraplegia have impaired motor output and sensory feedback.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neural activity in motor and somatosensory cortices during attempted isometric grasps in individuals with tetraplegia.
- To identify neural patterns encoding force control during static and dynamic grasping tasks.
- To inform the design of brain-computer interfaces for restoring hand function.
Main Methods:
- Recorded neural activity from motor and somatosensory cortices using intracortical microelectrode arrays.
- Two male participants with tetraplegia attempted static and ramping isometric grasps.
- Analyzed population-level neural activity for distinct patterns (neural modes) related to force control.
Main Results:
- Spiking activity in sensorimotor cortex was modulated by attempted grasps, despite paralysis.
- Identified independent neural modes informative of attempted force timing and magnitude.
- Observed distinct neural modes for static vs. dynamic grasping, suggesting different control schemes.
Conclusions:
- Neural modes in sensorimotor cortex encode attempted force information during grasping tasks.
- These findings highlight the potential of using identified neural modes for brain-computer interface development.
- Leveraging these neural patterns could aid in restoring grasping and force modulation capabilities.
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