Use of Intracortical Recordings to Control a Hand Neuroprosthesis

The purpose of this study was to develop an animal model for evaluating the efficacy of a brain machine interface (BMI) for controlling functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS). We have implemented such a system in a single primate. Our experimental model includes a 100-electrode implanted micro-array for recording intracortical signals, a reversible peripheral nerve block for temporarily paralyzing wrist and hand muscles, and a neuromuscular stimulator for electrically activating the paralyzed muscles. To date, we have evaluated the efficacy of each of these components and demonstrated how the BMI can be used to restore voluntary control of wrist flexion following muscle paralysis