Brain machine sensory feedback could help spinal injury patientsRSS Feed

Brain machine technologies can be improved by the addition of extra sensory feedback, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Chicago found that monkeys were able to move thought-controlled computer cursors more effectively when given additional sensory feedback.

New technology could help those with spinal cord injury and amyotropic lateral sclerosis who may still experience feeling in paralysed parts of their body.

When a robotic sleeve was used to control the monkey's arm, reflecting the movement of a thought controlled cursor, seeing the movement in time and space meant the monkeys directed the cursor more quickly and accurately.

"Organisms use multiple senses, including sight and touch, as feedback to adjust motor behaviour," said study leader Nicholas Hatsopoulos.

"The ability to feel movements of the limbs and body is critical for normal motor control. Loss of this sense results in movements that are slow, poorly coordinated and require great concentration."

Meanwhile, researchers from Tokyo's Keio University told AFP that stem cell treatment successfully restored partial movement in a small monkey previously paralysed due to spinal injury.

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Posted by Paul Breen
 

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