A body machine interface based on inertial sensors.

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors generally retain residual motor and sensory functions, which provide them with the means to control assistive devices. A body-machine interface (BoMI) establishes a mapping from these residual body movements to control commands for an external device. In this study, we designed a BoMI to smooth the way for operating computers, powered wheelchairs and other assistive technologies after cervical spinal cord injuries. The interface design included a comprehensive training paradigm with a range of diverse functional activities to enhance motor learning and retention. Two groups of SCI survivors and healthy control subjects participated in the study. The results indicate the effectiveness of the developed system as an alternative pathway for individuals with motor disabilities to control assistive devices while engaging in functional motor activity.

• Authors: Ali Farshchiansadegh, Farnaz Abdollahi, David Chen, Mei-Hua Lee, Jessica Pedersen, Camilla Pierella, Elliot J Roth, Ismael Seanez Gonzalez, Elias B Thorp, Ferdinando A Mussa-Ivaldi
• Journal: Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference (Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc) Vol. 2014 Pg. 6120-4 ( 2014) ISSN: 2694-0604 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25571394 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Topics

• Adult
• Case-Control Studies
• Cervical Vertebrae (injuries)
• Disabled Persons
• Equipment Design
• Female
• Humans
• Learning
• Magnetic Fields
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Motion
• Motor Skills
• Muscular Atrophy
• Self-Help Devices
• Software
• Spinal Cord Injuries (rehabilitation)
• Wheelchairs