Decoding how the brain talks to muscles to help regain mobility
Loughborough scientists are using sensors to record when the muscles fire and, with the help of computer algorithms, find the code that the brain sends to muscles to produce movement and thus detect movement impairment.
When someone has an injury, they may lose their ability to control the muscles effectively. In some cases, they may lose control of the limb altogether.
Using sensors placed on the muscle controlling the limb we can, with the help of computer algorithms, identify the messages that the brain and spinal cord send to those muscles when you want to move a limb.
We can use those identified messages in the rehabilitation process to help restore the function of the limb much faster.
In addition, in injury cases where a prosthetic replacement is required, we might be able to use the sensors detecting messages from neighbouring muscles to guide the function of the prosthetic.
This research has the potential to advance understanding of movement impaired diseases, aid rehabilitation and the development and control of prosthesis and man-machine interfaces.
Part of this research is funded by Versus Arthritis.
