Neuroprosthesis grasping by thought force

Neuroprosthesis allows grasping with thought force

23.03.2012

Researchers from the Cross-Section Center of the Heidelberg University Orthopedic Clinic have introduced a new prototype that enables paraplegics to perform various movements.

Those involved in international research projects „Tobi“ Scientists from twelve European universities met in Würzburg on Thursday to discuss current findings in the field of interfaces for the control of so-called neuroprostheses (Tools For Brain Computer Interaction). The brain-computer interfaces are to allow paraplegics their mobility by means of thought force.

Even today, different neuroprostheses offer the paraplegics the opportunity to perform various movement functions, but the previous user interfaces often do not meet the requirement. Often the paraplegics have to perform unnatural auxiliary movements to control the prosthesis, such as with the left shoulder for movement of the right (prosthetic) hand.

Prostheses are controlled by brain waves
The control of the prostheses via brain waves, is achieved by means of a so-called electrode hood, which forwards the brain waves to a computer, which then allows the movements by electro-stimulation. At the interfaces, the science „made huge progress compared to ten years ago“ , explained Andrea Kübler from the University of Würzburg. The expert limited, however, that this was nothing, „what in the next two years in the market“ comes. Currently doing „the cap and the contact gel the paraplegics still much work, the software is too complicated and the transmission of brain waves is too slow“, such as the weaknesses of technology available today, as named by Kübler. Also, the interfaces would have to become smaller, faster, more reliable, and a little fancier, so that they could meet the demands of the patients, emphasized the expert.

Paraplegics motivated by thought force?
In principle, patients can choose with their thoughts exactly which part of the body they want to move. Rüdiger Rupp from the Cross-Section Center of the University of Heidelberg, Germany, the possibilities of the brain-computer interfaces. Almost five years ago, Dr. Ing. Rüdiger Rupp has been awarded the Konrad Biesalski Prize of the German Society of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery e.V. for his development of a neuroprosthesis that can be controlled by means of weak muscle tension or even through thoughts. Since then a lot has happened and the control options via the user interfaces have been continuously improved in the sense of paraplegics. Thus, the goal of making paraplegics capable of moving again with the help of their power of thought seems to be within reach.

Improving the quality of life for paraplegics
For the approximately 1,800 people who suffer paraplegia every year in Germany, the advances in the field of neuroprosthesis are a possible signal of hope. Because „in high-paraplegics, any form of improvement in grasping means a significant gain in quality of life“, so the statement of Dr. Rupp to motivate his work at the award ceremony in 2008. Control over the brain-computer interfaces could decide on it, „whether a spinal paraplegic can master his life independently or is completely dependent on outside help for life.“ (Fp)

Image: Dieter Schütz