Control of neural prostheses for grasping and reaching

In recent years several neural prostheses have been developed and tested as orthoses or as therapeutic systems for hemiplegic and tetraplegic subjects aiming to improve the upper extremities function. The use of neural prostheses demonstrated that the targeted group of subjects could significantly benefit from functional electrical stimulation that is integrated in goal directed movements. In this paper the control for neural prostheses is explained using available systems that apply either surface or implantable interfaces to sensory-motor systems. Further more, a new strategy that has been tested for control of reaching and grasping within a neural prosthesis especially designed for neurorehabilitation is described. This, so-called, coordination strategy was based on mimicking the output space model of natural control determined in reach/grasp/release movements of healthy humans. (C) 2002 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.