Neural Prostheses Replacing Motor Function After Disease or Disability

Returning function to limbs paralyzed as a result of an accident or disease process is an ancient dream. Only in the last few years have technology and knowledge of the nervous system advanced to the point that systems can be envisaged to partially realize this dream in the form of a practical neural prosthesis. This compelling volume reviews and synthesizes recent developments in biomedical engineering and neuroscience in a way that will foster progress in the field. It is the first book to focus on the control strategies required for the increasingly complex systems that are being developed. The topics covered range from the historical background of the field to the practical problems of transferring technology to industry so that devices can become widely available. The book is divided into four parts, covering muscles and sensors; control of the upper extremities; control of the lower extremities; and adaptive control and technology transfer. The properties of muscles (as motors driving the neural prosthesis) and of sensors (which provide needed feedback) are emphasized, and the methods of linking them in a control system that can interface with the remaining parts of the patient's nervous system in a flexible way to provide balance and motion are clearly explained. Practical techniques for replacing motor function by electrical stimulation of remaining muscles after spinal cord injury are also discussed in detail.Stein, Richard B. is the author of 'Neural Prostheses Replacing Motor Function After Disease or Disability' with ISBN 9780195072167 and ISBN 0195072162.