Medicine & Health
Comparing perceived force and precision between stimulation of the peripheral nerves and the spinal cord
Nadia Ahsan
Medicine & Health
Nadia Ahsan
Currently, only 59% of upper-limb amputees use a prosthetic routinely. In order for people to feel comfortable using their prosthetic, it is important to incorporate the ability to feel through their prosthetic. To do this, there are two separately tested methods: electrically stimulating the peripheral nerves (PNS), and electrically stimulating the spinal cord (SCS). However, these two methods were explored on different samples of people, which means scientists cannot directly compare PNS and SCS since people have been shown to perceive the stimulation differently. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the precision and force that is perceived by PNS versus that of SCS within the same person. This study will have around ten upper-limb amputees, who will have eight Flat Interface Nerve Electrodes (FINEs) surgically implanted on the peripheral nerves in the residual limb, and eight spinal cord stimulation leads surgically implanted on the spinal cord. Then, the participants will receive electrical stimulation through each electrode or lead with varying amplitudes and frequencies to see if the trends shown are consistent. Based on previous research, the results are expected to be that, under the same amplitude and frequency, PNS will produce a more precise and strong sensation, whereas SCS will produce a more general and light sensation. Depending on the results of the study, scientists will know whether PNS or SCS is better to implement into a prosthetic to achieve the ability to feel through their prosthetic.
Medicine & Health
Nadia Ahsan
Currently, only 59% of upper-limb amputees use a prosthetic routinely. In order for people to feel comfortable using their prosthetic, it is important to incorporate the ability to feel through their prosthetic. To do this, there are two separately tested methods: electrically stimulating the peripheral nerves (PNS), and electrically stimulating the spinal cord (SCS). However, these two methods were explored on different samples of people, which means scientists cannot directly compare ...