Control of a hand grasp neuroprosthesis using an electroencephalogram-triggered switch: demonstration of improvements in performance using wavepacket analysis.
Volitionally modulated electroencephalographic (EEG) waves were monitored for the purpose of controlling a hand neuroprosthesis in people with tetraplegia. The region of the EEG signal spectrum monitored was the occipital alpha wave (8-13 Hz), and volitional modulation was achieved with the opening and closing of the eyes. In a set of 13 trials evaluated, a subject with tetraplegia successfully completed ten trials undertaking stimulated grasp and release using the EEG-triggered switch. EEG signal data recorded during the 13 trials were also post-processed off-line using wavepacket analysis. Following this signal processing, the speed and reliability of the EEG-triggered switch, when operated by the subject with tetraplegia, was significantly improved (p < 0.002). Such improvements provide system performance that is likely to be acceptable to a neuroprosthesis user during activities of daily life.
Heasman
J M
JM
Quadriplegic Hand Research Unit incorporating The Spinal Cord Injuries Unit, Department of Hand & Microsurgery, Department of Biomedical Engineering for Northern Sydney Health, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia.
Scott
T R D
TR
Kirkup
L
L
Flynn
R Y
RY
Vare
V A
VA
Gschwind
C R
CR
D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D004569:Electroencephalography; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted