ABSTRACT
EMG signals can be widely used for indicators of muscle activity, and it can be used for robot control. However, the practical use of the EMG sensor for the amputee has been limited due to harsh conditions in the socket where strong pressure and friction exist. In this paper, thus we suggested a flexible and stretchable EMG Sensor. It is designed to withstand the pressure of the socket and to be used repeatedly with soft adhesive material. The performance of mechanical and electrical properties is investigated, and the muscle signals are recorded in static and dynamic (jump and gait) conditions. The selectivity of the recorded muscle signals during dorsiflexion and plantar flexion shows better than that of commercial electrodes indicating that it could be used for control of robotic legs in the future.Clinical Relevance- The flexible material and stretchable electrode pattern could be helpful in clinical research for an amputee.
Subject(s)
Amputees , Humans , Electromyography , Lower Extremity , Leg/physiology , Muscle, Skeletal/physiologyABSTRACT
Recently, methods for the treatment of chronic diseases and disorders through the modulation of peripheral and autonomic nerves have been proposed. To investigate various treatment methods and results, experiments are being conducted on animals such as rabbits and rat. However the diameter of the targeted nerves is small (several hundred µm) and it is difficult to modulate small nerves. Therefore, a neural interface that is stable, easy to implant into small nerves, and is biocompatible is required. Here, to develop an advanced neural interface, a thiol-ene/acrylate-based shape memory polymer (SMP) was fabricated with a double clip design. This micro-patterned design is able to be implanted on a small branch of the sciatic nerve, as well as the parasympathetic pelvic nerve, using the shape memory effect (SME) near body temperature. Additionally, the IrO2 coated neural interface was implanted on the common peroneal nerve in order to perform electrical stimulation and electroneurography (ENG) recording. The results demonstrate that the proposed neural interface can be used for the modulation of the peripheral nerve, including the autonomic nerve, towards bioelectronic medicine.
ABSTRACT
Modulation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) has a great potential for therapeutic intervention as well as restore bodily functions. Recent interest has focused on autonomic nerves, as they regulate extensive functions implicated in organ physiology, chronic disease state and appear tractable to targeted modulation of discrete nerve units. Therapeutic interventions based on specific bioelectronic neuromodulation depend on reliable neural interface to stimulate and record autonomic nerves. Furthermore, the function of stimulation and recording requires energy which should be delivered to the interface. Due to the physiological and anatomical challenges of autonomic nerves, various forms of this active neural interface need to be developed to achieve next generation of neural interface for bioelectronic medicine. In this article, we present an overview of the state-of-the-art for peripheral neural interface technology in relation to autonomic nerves. Also, we reveal the current status of wireless neural interface for peripheral nerve applications. Recent studies of a novel concept of self-sustainable neural interface without battery and electronic components are presented. Finally, the recent results of non-invasive stimulation such as ultrasound and magnetic stimulation are covered and the perspective of the future research direction is provided.
