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Researchers Leverage RPNI To Facilitate Mind Control of Prosthetic Fingers
High Rates of Diabetes Among Hispanics Living in United States The percentage of adults living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes in the United States varies significantly by race, particularly among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian subgroups. New research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention demonstrates the particularly high rates of diabetes among individuals of Hispanic origin.
HISPANICS LIVING WITH DIABETES IN U.S. Diagnosed and Undiagnosed
Mexicans 25%
Puerto Ricans
22%
Cubans/Dominicans
21%
Central Americans
19%
South Americans
12%
SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
APRIL 2020 | O&P ALMANAC
PHOTO: Evan Dougherty, Michigan Engineering
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The researchers developed a methodology to separate thick nerve bundles into smaller fibers that enable precise control, and amplify the signals coming from those nerves. This is achieved via regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI), or very small muscle grafts combined with machine learning algorithms. RPNIs also impede the growth of neuromoas at the severed ends of Joe Hamilton, a participant in the University of nerves, reducing residual Michigan RPNI study, naturally uses his mind to limb pain, according control a DEKA prosthetic hand to pinch a small to the researchers. zipper on a hand development testing platform. Because the learning Researchers at the University of happens in the algorithms Michigan (UM) have developed a instead of by prosthetic users, study biological interface that relies on the subjects have been able to complete nerves in a patient’s residual limb tasks using the new technology on the to enable individual finger control first try without thinking about it, says of prosthetic devices. A team led by Chestek. The researchers worked with Paul Cederna, MD, a professor in the four subjects using the new biological department of biomedical engineering, interface coupled with the Mobius and Cindy Chestek, PhD, an associate Bionics LUKE Arm. In the lab, the professor of biomedical engineering, participants were able to pick up blocks developed a technique to tap faint, with a pincer grasp; move their thumb latent signals from arm nerves and in a continuous motion; lift spherically amplify them to enable real-time, shaped objects; and play a modified finger-level control of a prosthesis. version of rock-paper-scissors. “It’s like “This is the biggest advance in you have a hand again,” said particmotor control for people with ampuipant Joe Hamilton. “You can pretty tations in many years,” said Cederna, much do anything you can do with who also serves as the Robert Oneal a real hand with that hand. It brings Collegiate Professor of Plastic Surgery you back to a sense of normalcy.” at the UM Medical School. “We Next steps will involve implanting 12 have been able to provide some indwelling electrodes in each of 10 parof the most advanced prosthetic ticipants. The research was published control that the world has seen.” March 4 in Science Translational Medicine.
