Neural control of leg prostheses
- Reference number
- ID15-0089
- Start and end dates
- 160101-210630
- Amount granted
- 2 500 000 SEK
- Administrative organization
- Chalmers University of Technology
- Research area
- Life Science Technology
Summary
Ever since the invention of implantable devices, a reliable and long-term stable communication with the outside of the body has been a major problem. In prosthetic limbs, this issue has prevented the utilization of neuromuscular interfaces for intuitive neural control. Our group developed the first bidirectional interface for permanent communication between the human body and robotic arm prostheses. This it made possible to permanently implant electrodes in nerves and muscles of an amputee to control a robotic arm. This has opened exciting research possibilities to understand complex limb motions through the decoding of bioelectric signals; and to study perception through neurostimulation for sensory feedback. We are now proposing an Industrial PhD project in which this technology will be translated to the lower limbs. Current leg prosthetics does not respond to voluntary control from the patients. This mismatch between the biological and robotic system is a major cause of poor functionality. We propose a truly multi-disciplinary project between Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and Integrum AB. It is of great importance for patients with missing limbs that this research is continued. Fundamental knowledge on neurorehabilitation will be gained from this project. The successful implementation of this project would place Sweden as the world leader in amputees care and considerably increase the quality of life for patients with missing limbs.
Popular science description
Currently, the most sophisticated leg prosthesis operate without any connection to the patient’s mind and movement desires. Robotic legs attempt to deduce the different gait states based only on embedded sensors, and without receiving information from the patient’s biological control system. This separation between the biological and mechatronic control systems results in limited functionality, as well as poor physiological adaptation to the foreign device intended as a replacement of the lost limb. The ultimate aim of this project is to provide, for the first time, neural control and sensory feedback for robotic leg prosthesis. This will be achieved using osseointegration as the mechanical and electrical means of connection between the artificial limb and implanted electrodes in nerves and muscles.