Neural interfacing architecture enables enhanced motor control and residual limb functionality postamputation
Shriya S. Srinivasan, Samantha Gutierrez-Arango, Ashley C. Teng, Erica Israel, Hyungeun Song, Zachary Bailey, Matthew J. Carty, Lisa E. Freed, Hugh Herr
Abstract
Significance 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 This is largely due to an outdated amputation paradigm that precludes efficacious communication between the residual limb and prosthesis.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.