Brain-Controlled Prosthetics Closer to Reality
(from O&P Almanac August, 2008)

The findings of a trial in which monkeys used brain waves to control robotic arms demonstrate the technical possibility of brain-controlled prosthetics, though it may be a while before such technology is practical. according to a New York Times article. The experiment, which was recently covered in the journal Nature, involved macaque monkeys whose natural arms were restrained while they learned to operate mechanical limbs. They first learned to control the arms with joysticks. Within several days, the monkeys were able to maneuver the arms--which consisted of shoulder and elbow joints and a grasping claw--using a computer chip embedded in their brains. While the experiment's success raises questions about the possibility of human trials, the New York Times' science reporter, Benedict Carey, said several technical obstacles must be overcome before the chips are a viable long-term solution for amputees. Scientists must first determine why the implantable electrode grid sensors usually stop working after several months. And, they need to develop a wireless solution for reading and transmitting the signals. With the current device, patients would have to be connected through the scalp and monitored constantly.

The Center welcomes "Amputees Across America"

Members of The Center staff were on-site to welcome the bicycle riders of Amputees Across America (AAA) as they made local stops in July during their inspirational 4,400 mile cross country ride. As in previous years, the riders of AAA are not athletes, but are just average men and women with limb loss who joined the venture to support others facing similar challenges. The core group of three riders are joined along the way with local riders who wish to pedal along for an hour, a day, or a week. Their goal is to increase public awareness of amputees as participants in high-intensity activities such as bicycling and skydiving, but mostly they like talking to amputees along the way to provide encouragement to get on with their own recovery. Along with some of our clients(see Ashley at left), we were fortunate to be able to greet and talk with the riders at two of their 36 stops at rehabilitation facilities across the nation, at Health South Rehab in York and in Mechanicsburg. It was a fun day for all! The message was clear, "Limb loss is not the end of living a full and enjoyable life." They told us that sometimes they have to do things a little differently, but that they'd learned not to let anything keep them from pursuing a rewarding everyday life. To learn more about the riders and their trip, check www.amputeesacrossamerica.com.