Training to improve volitional muscle activity in clinically paralyzed muscles for neuroprosthesis control

Neuroprostheses are devices that use electrical stimulation to activate paralyzed muscles in a coordinated manner to restore functional movements. These systems utilize a voluntarily-generated command signal for control of function. Current command signals include electromyographic (EMG) activity from muscles above the injury level that remain under volitional control. In individuals with cervical level spinal cord injury (SCI), these signal sources are limited in number. Our recent research suggests that volitional muscle activity from below the injury level in individuals with motor complete spinal cord injury may be a viable source of command information. The signals from these muscles are small, and therefore the goal of this study is to determine if training using visual feedback can improve the quality of these muscle signals. Results to date indicate that training with visual feedback can increase both the magnitude and consistency of EMG signals in clinically paralyzed muscles.