Stimulating peripheral nerves now means a much simplier way of restoring sensitivity.
A scientific team, consisting of Russian and foreign neurophysiologists under the leadership of Professor Stanisa Raspopovich from the Federal Institute of Technology in Switzerland, has introduced an innovative method of stimulating peripheral nerves, restoring the ability of disabled individuals to feel touches and allowing better control of their prosthetics. This technology not only improves the mobility of patients but also reduces their mental burden compared to existing methods, as noted in an article published in Nature Communications.
The developed biomimetic stimulation system can “record” physiologically permissible information in the peripheral nervous system. It has successfully undergone clinical trials on patients with amputated limbs, confirming that nerve stimulation not only restores tactile sensations but also improves mobility, reducing mental stress. The system is an interface between the brain-computer with electrodes connected to peripheral nerves and sensors on prosthetics that detect various tactile stimuli.
Researchers conducted successful tests of the system on volunteers with amputated legs. After connecting to peripheral nerves and linking with sensors on prosthetics, patients noticed the return of tactile sensations and an improvement in their ability to move. A 10-17% increase in movement speed, a reduction in mental load, and facilitation of overcoming obstacles such as stairs confirm the prospects of the method.
Photo: Artem Geodakyan