EEG-based control of a hand grasp neuroprosthesis

THE feasibility of using the EEG signal to operate a hand grasp neuroprosth esis was investigated. Two able-bodied subjects and one neuroprosthesis use r were trained to control the amplitude of the beta rhythm recorded over th e frontal areas. After 6 months, all subjects exhibited a high level of con trol, being able to use this signal to move a cursor to targets on a comput er screen with a high (>90%) accuracy rate. Control over the EEG signal was unaffected by upper extremity movement or electrical activation of the mus cles, indicating that this signal would be adequate for neuroprosthetic use . To test this concept, the neuroprosthesis user operated his system with t he cortical signal, and was able to effectively manipulate several objects. NeuroReport 10:1767-1771 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.