Methods of nervous system stimulation to provide sensation for amputees in a prosthetic device

Abstract

Prosthetic limbs are more advanced than ever before due to modern technology. There are two paths that need to be properly established for a prosthetic to feel natural: the ability to control the limb and its fingers, and the ability to feel through the prosthetic. The first part, the movement, has been established for the most part. The myoelectric prosthesis registers signals from the user’s muscles and allows them to move the limb easily and in a natural manner. However, the second part, the sensory feedback, is the area of research that is currently being investigated. There are three different methods of stimulating the nervous system which can achieve that sensory feedback. Stimulation of the primary somatosensory cortex, the cervical spinal cord, and the arm’s peripheral nerves are being investigated. Research on peripheral nerve stimulation is the most extensive of these three methods. Within that method, temporal and qualitative properties of the artificial somatosensory experience are investigated. So far, sensation has been proven to be felt, but it is generally unnatural feeling. Further, this field of research is limited due to invasiveness, small sample sizes, and accessibility. With modern technology, scientists are making it possible to restore the sense of touch in an area that no longer exists.