Unlike mechanical machines, our bodies perform seemingly simple tasks by relying on extremely complicated neurological processes. Even something as simple as moving one’s hand involves high-precision feedback loops that allow the brain to constantly monitor and adjust the hand’s motion. Because people using prostheses can’t feel where their devices are in relation to their bodies, precise and timely control is hard to achieve without looking at the prosthesis.
Now researchers at Cleveland Clinic are introducing a system that recreates so-called kinesthetic perception and significantly improves the dexterity of individuals using hand prostheses. Their technology involves vibrators that stimulate the muscles that are used to control the movement of prostheses. As the fingers of the device are opened and closed, vibrations are induced, the nature of which reveals to the user where their hand is.
The sensation is so easy to interpret that amputee volunteers in the study were able to take advantage of it within minutes after being outfitted with the technology, improving the control they have over their robotic hands. Moreover, the individuals experienced a greater “sense of agency” with regards to their devices, further helping them to have an intuitive, natural sense of the prostheses.
Study in Science Translational Medicine: Illusory movement perception improves motor control for prosthetic hands…
Via: Cleveland Clinic…