Neural interfacing architecture enables enhanced motor control and residual limb functionality postamputation

Abstract

Despite advancements in prosthetic technologies, persons with amputation today suffer great diminution in mobility and quality of life. This is largely due to an outdated amputation paradigm that precludes efficacious communication between the residual limb and prosthesis. An amputation method utilizing agonist–antagonist myoneural interfaces (AMIs) constructs neuromuscular substrates in the residual limb to avail enhanced sensorimotor signaling. In our study, subjects with AMI amputation demonstrate improved motor control, phantom sensations, range of motion, and decreased pain when compared to patients with traditional amputation. With the demonstrated increases in motor coordination and position differentiation, our results suggest that patients with AMI amputation will be able to more efficaciously control bionic prostheses.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Feb 15, 2021
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.2019555118

Entities

People

  • Ashley C. Teng
  • Erica Israel
  • Hugh Herr
  • Hyungeun Song
  • Lisa E. Freed
  • Matthew J Carty
  • Samantha Gutierrez-Arango
  • Shriya S Srinivasan
  • Zachary Keith Bailey

Organizations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
  • Harvard Medical School
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • United States Air Force Academy
  • United States Department of Defense

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Medical Imaging.
  • Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Care for Military Service Members and Veterans with Limb Loss or Disability.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology