Prediction of the intended movements by analysis of neuronal activity in the monkey motor areas — Studies on possible sources of FES control commands

We have presented studies on FES control commands from central nervous system. This paper aimed to clarify how to detect the intention for movement before or without execution. The activity of 782 neurons was recorded from the forelimb and shoulder area of the primary motor cortex and premotor cortex of a monkey. A significant increase or decrease in neuronal activity was detected preceding the execution of a trained reaching movement. The activity in 317 neurons has enabled a computer to predict the reaching direction before movement onset by using a new analysis method of differences in neuronal activities among reaching direction. These results suggest that neuronal activities of these areas may be used as the control commands for FES.