Researchers have developed a brain-controlled functional electrical stimulation (FES) system in primates.

Electrode recordings, from micro-electrodes permanently implanted in the brain, are used to predict the intended activity of several of the paralysed muscles. These predictions are further employed for the intensity control of stimulation of the same muscles.

This process of bypassing the spinal cord, restoring to the monkeys voluntary control of their paralysed muscles through neuroprosthesis, is a major advance towards similar restoration of hand function in human patients.

Reference: Restoration of grasp following paralysis through brain-controlled stimulation of muscles, Nature, 18 April 2012 | DOI

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