Abstract: The hand is a complex system which requires simultaneous coordination of multiple muscles that may span up to 4 joints for even simple, single degree-of-freedom movements. In the Rehabilitation and Neural Engineering Laboratory, we use intramuscular electrodes implanted in up to sixteen extrinsic hand muscles of able-bodied and amputee subjects to collect electromyographic (EMG) signals to understand how the many muscles of the hand work together for development towards prosthetic control. Using intramuscular electrodes, we are able to record EMG activity with a high enough spatial resolution to observe individual motor unit action potentials in the finger muscle compartments. This talk will provide an overview of our findings -- common patterns of EMG activity in the hand for single degree of freedom movements, how these patterns change after amputation, the implications on motor control, and concepts that must be taken into consideration for development of prosthetic control algorithms for the hand.

Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP by Friday, February 10 at noon.