Control of Human Motor Rehabilitation Devices

Abstract

The loss of limbs or limitations to their motor functions leads to a critical deterioration of the human quality of life. This article presents a brief review about the evolution of prosthetics, the dawn of which dates back to antiquity, and shows its transition to new technologies between the two world wars and in the contemporary era. The authors discuss the interfaces developed for controlling the recovery of lost limb functions, based on the optimal choice of assistive devices and artificial bypassing from the brain to the spinal cord with a closed feedback loop. The review gives the current classification and application of control interfaces (both invasive and noninvasive) for the recovery of functions, using electroencephalogram (EEG) components (including brain–computer interfaces (BCIs)), as well as electrical and other myogram components. The interfaces are discussed in terms of changes in the physical characteristics of muscles during their contraction and vibration and other properties. The article considers challenges and global demands for specialized treatment as exemplified by American statistical data on spinal cord lesions.