EEG-based control of a hand grasp neuroprosthesis

Abstract

The feasibility of using the EEG signal to operate a hand grasp neuroprosthesis was investigated. Two able-bodied subjects and one neuroprosthesis user were trained to control the amplitude of the beta rhythm recorded over the frontal areas. After 6 months, all subjects exhibited a high level of control, being able to use this signal to move a cursor to targets on a computer screen with a high (>90%) accuracy rate. Control over the EEG signal was unaffected by upper extremity movement or electrical activation of the muscles, indicating that this signal would be adequate for neuroprosthetic use. To test this concept, the neuroprosthesis user operated his system with the cortical signal, and was able to effectively manipulate several objects.