1
|
Graczyk E, Hutchison B, Valle G, Bjanes D, Gates D, Raspopovic S, Gaunt R. Clinical Applications and Future Translation of Somatosensory Neuroprostheses. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1237242024. [PMID: 39358021 PMCID: PMC11450537 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1237-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory neuroprostheses restore, replace, or enhance tactile and proprioceptive feedback for people with sensory impairments due to neurological disorders or injury. Somatosensory neuroprostheses typically couple sensor inputs from a wearable device, prosthesis, robotic device, or virtual reality system with electrical stimulation applied to the somatosensory nervous system via noninvasive or implanted interfaces. While prior research has mainly focused on technology development and proof-of-concept studies, recent acceleration of clinical studies in this area demonstrates the translational potential of somatosensory neuroprosthetic systems. In this review, we provide an overview of neurostimulation approaches currently undergoing human testing and summarize recent clinical findings on the perceptual, functional, and psychological impact of somatosensory neuroprostheses. We also cover current work toward the development of advanced stimulation paradigms to produce more natural and informative sensory feedback. Finally, we provide our perspective on the remaining challenges that need to be addressed prior to translation of somatosensory neuroprostheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Graczyk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
- Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Brianna Hutchison
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Giacomo Valle
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg 41296, Sweden
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637
| | - David Bjanes
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering and Tianqiao & Chrissy Chen Brain-Machine Interface Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Deanna Gates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Stanisa Raspopovic
- Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Robert Gaunt
- Rehab Neural Engineering Labs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dutta S, Skm V. Grasp context-dependent uncertainty alters the relative contribution of anticipatory and feedback-based mechanisms in object manipulation. Neuropsychologia 2024; 204:108996. [PMID: 39251108 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Predictive control within dexterous object manipulation while allowing for the choice of contact points has been shown to employ a predominantly feedback-based force modulation. The anticipation is thought to be facilitated through the internal representation of the object dynamics being integrated and updated on a trial-to-trial basis with the feedback of contact locations on the object. This is as opposed to the classically studied memory representation-based fingertip force control for grasping with pre-selected contact locations. We designed a study to examine this grasp context-dependent asymmetry in sensorimotor integration by introducing binary uncertainty about the grasp type before movement initiation within the framework of motor planning. An inverted T-shaped instrumented object was presented to 24 participants as the manipulandum, and they were asked to reach, grasp, and lift it while minimising the peak roll. We dissociated the planning and the execution phases by pseudo-randomly manipulating the availability of visual contact cues on the object after movement onset. We analysed both derived as well as direct kinetic and kinematic measures of the grasp during the loading phase to understand the anticipatory coordination. Our findings suggest that uncertainty about the grasp context during movement preparation resulted in a shift towards feedback-based mechanisms for grasp force modulation despite the persistence of visual cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swarnab Dutta
- Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India.
| | - Varadhan Skm
- Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kurauchi K, Kurumadani H, Date S, Sunagawa T. Hand muscle synergy in chopstick use: effect of object size and weight. HAND SURGERY & REHABILITATION 2024; 43:101754. [PMID: 39069004 DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2024.101754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
This study explains the role of muscle coordination in chopstick manipulation and investigates the effects of object width and weight on intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscle activity when picking up objects with chopsticks. Surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of the intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles when picking up objects of varying widths and weights using chopsticks. The results revealed coordinated muscle activity patterns in the intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles and coordination between them during chopstick manipulation. Object widths varying between 1 and 3 cm did not significantly affect muscle activity; however, object weight influenced muscle activity during both chopstick closing and object grasping, with greater muscle activity in the 40 g condition than in the 10 g condition. Intrinsic hand muscles were found to be involved in object grasping, regardless of object weight. These findings suggest that object weight should be considered when practicing picking up objects with chopsticks in scenarios resembling daily dining, to prevent excessive muscle activity during rehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Kurauchi
- Laboratory at Analysis and Control of Upper Extremity Function, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Kurumadani
- Laboratory at Analysis and Control of Upper Extremity Function, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shota Date
- Laboratory at Analysis and Control of Upper Extremity Function, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toru Sunagawa
- Laboratory at Analysis and Control of Upper Extremity Function, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ständer S, Schmelz M. Skin Innervation. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1716-1723. [PMID: 38402477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
All layers and appendages of the skin are densely innervated by afferent and efferent neurons providing sensory information and controlling skin perfusion and sweating. In mice, neuronal functions have been comprehensively linked to unique single-cell expression patterns and to characteristic arborization of nerve endings in skin and dorsal horn, whereas for humans, specific molecular markers for functional classes of afferent neurons are still lacking. Moreover, bidirectional communication between sensory neurons and local skin cells has become of particular interest, resulting in a broader physiological understanding of sensory function but also of trophic functions and immunomodulation in disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Schmelz
- Department of Experimental Pain Research, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kopnarski L, Rudisch J, Kutz DF, Voelcker-Rehage C. Unveiling the invisible: receivers use object weight cues for grip force planning in handover actions. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1191-1202. [PMID: 38498154 PMCID: PMC11078835 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06813-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Handover actions are part of our daily lives. Whether it is the milk carton at the breakfast table or tickets at the box office, we usually perform these joint actions without much conscious attention. The individual actions involved in handovers, that have already been studied intensively at the level of individual actions, are grasping, lifting, and transporting objects. Depending on the object's properties, actors must plan their execution in order to ensure smooth and efficient object transfer. Therefore, anticipatory grip force scaling is crucial. Grip forces are planned in anticipation using weight estimates based on experience or visual cues. This study aimed to investigate whether receivers are able to correctly estimate object weight by observing the giver's kinematics. For this purpose, handover actions were performed with 20 dyads, manipulating the participant role (giver/receiver) and varying the size and weight of the object. Due to the random presentation of the object weight and the absence of visual cues, the participants were unaware of the object weight from trial to trial. Kinematics were recorded with a motion tracking system and grip forces were recorded with customized test objects. Peak grip force rates were used as a measure of anticipated object weight. Results showed that receiver kinematics are significantly affected by object weight. The peak grip force rates showed that receivers anticipate object weight, but givers not. This supports the hypothesis that receivers obtain information about the object weight by observing giver's kinematics and integrating this information into their own action execution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Kopnarski
- Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - J Rudisch
- Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - D F Kutz
- Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C Voelcker-Rehage
- Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ishida H, Grandi LC, Fornia L. Secondary somatosensory and posterior insular cortices: a somatomotor hub for object prehension and manipulation movements. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1346968. [PMID: 38725800 PMCID: PMC11079213 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1346968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The secondary somatosensory cortex (SII) and posterior insular cortex (pIC) are recognized for processing touch and movement information during hand manipulation in humans and non-human primates. However, their involvement in three-dimensional (3D) object manipulation remains unclear. To investigate neural activity related to hand manipulation in the SII/pIC, we trained two macaque monkeys to grasp three objects (a cone, a plate, and a ring) and engage in visual fixation on the object. Our results revealed that 19.4% (n = 50/257) of the task-related neurons in SII/pIC were active during hand manipulations, but did not respond to passive somatosensory stimuli. Among these neurons, 44% fired before hand-object contact (reaching to grasping neurons), 30% maintained tonic activity after contact (holding neurons), and 26% showed continuous discharge before and after contact (non-selective neurons). Object grasping-selectivity varied and was weak among these neurons, with only 24% responding to fixation of a 3D object (visuo-motor neurons). Even neurons unresponsive to passive visual stimuli showed responses to set-related activity before the onset of movement (42%, n = 21/50). Our findings suggest that somatomotor integration within SII/pIC is probably integral to all prehension sequences, including reaching, grasping, and object manipulation movements. Moreover, the existence of a set-related activity within SII/pIC may play a role in directing somatomotor attention during object prehension-manipulation in the absence of vision. Overall, SII/pIC may play a role as a somatomotor hub within the lateral grasping network that supports the generation of intentional hand actions based on haptic information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Ishida
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Physiology, Parma University, Parma, Italy
- Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Brain Center for Social and Motor Cognition (BCSMC), Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Clara Grandi
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Physiology, Parma University, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Fornia
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Physiology, Parma University, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hirata J, Yoshimura M, Inoue K. Effect of wrist orthoses on upper limb function, activities of daily living, and stress response. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2024; 11:20556683241250307. [PMID: 38680617 PMCID: PMC11047247 DOI: 10.1177/20556683241250307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study examined the effects on upper limb function, activities of daily living, and stress responses when wearing a wrist orthosis made of padded fiberglass or thermoplastic and provided essential information for selecting an orthosis. Methods Thirty-one healthy adults performed two tests while not wearing a wrist orthosis, wearing a padded fiberglass wrist orthosis, and wearing a thermoplastic wrist orthosis. The Purdue Pegboard Test examined upper limb control. In the second test, the actions indicated by the Hand20 questionnaire were performed while wearing a wrist orthosis. An electrocardiogram was obtained before and after each test to identify any changes in sympathetic nervous system activity. Results The Purdue Pegboard Test scores were significantly higher when not wearing a wrist orthosis than when wearing wrist orthosis, and the Hand20 scores for all question were significantly lower. Thermoplastic wrist orthoses had fewer restrictions for upper limb function compared to padded fiberglass wrist orthoses, however activities of daily living were more limited. The low frequency/high frequency ratio and high frequency measures showed no significant differences. Conclusions Pegboard test scores and the Hand 20 scores suggest that a wrist orthosis causes restriction of upper limb function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junya Hirata
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshimura
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Keiko Inoue
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McGarity-Shipley MR, Markovik Jantz S, Johansson RS, Wolpert DM, Flanagan JR. Fast Feedback Responses to Categorical Sensorimotor Errors That Do Not Indicate Error Magnitude Are Optimized Based on Short- and Long-Term Memory. J Neurosci 2023; 43:8525-8535. [PMID: 37884350 PMCID: PMC10711696 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1990-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Skilled motor performance depends critically on rapid corrective responses that act to preserve the goal of the movement in the face of perturbations. Although it is well established that the gain of corrective responses elicited while reaching toward objects adapts to different contexts, little is known about the adaptability of corrective responses supporting the manipulation of objects after they are grasped. Here, we investigated the adaptability of the corrective response elicited when an object being lifted is heavier than expected and fails to lift off when predicted. This response involves a monotonic increase in vertical load force triggered, within ∼90 ms, by the absence of expected sensory feedback signaling lift off and terminated when actual lift off occurs. Critically, because the actual weight of the object cannot be directly sensed at the moment the object fails to lift off, any adaptation of the corrective response would have to be based on memory from previous lifts. We show that when humans, including men and women, repeatedly lift an object that on occasional catch trials increases from a baseline weight to a fixed heavier weight, they scale the gain of the response (i.e., the rate of force increase) to the heavier weight within two to three catch trials. We also show that the gain of the response scales, on the first catch trial, with the baseline weight of the object. Thus, the gain of the lifting response can be adapted by both short- and long-term experience. Finally, we demonstrate that this adaptation preserves the efficacy of the response across contexts.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here, we present the first investigation of the adaptability of the corrective lifting response elicited when an object is heavier than expected and fails to lift off when predicted. A striking feature of the response, which is driven by a sensory prediction error arising from the absence of expected sensory feedback, is that the magnitude of the error is unknown. That is, the motor system only receives a categorical error indicating that the object is heavier than expected but not its actual weight. Although the error magnitude is not known at the moment the response is elicited, we show that the response can be scaled to predictions of error magnitude based on both recent and long-term memories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Markovik Jantz
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Roland S Johansson
- Physiology Section, Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Daniel M Wolpert
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10027
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027
| | - J Randall Flanagan
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gutterman J, Gordon AM. Neural Correlates of Impaired Grasp Function in Children with Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1102. [PMID: 37509032 PMCID: PMC10377617 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) is caused by damage to the developing brain and affects motor function, mainly lateralized to one side of the body. Children with USCP have difficulties grasping objects, which can affect their ability to perform daily activities. Although cerebral palsy is typically classified according to motor function, sensory abnormalities are often present as well and may contribute to motor impairments, including grasping. In this review, we show that the integrity and connectivity pattern of the corticospinal tract (CST) is related to execution and anticipatory control of grasping. However, as this may not explain all the variance of impairments in grasping function, we also describe the potential roles of sensory and sensorimotor integration deficits that contribute to grasp impairments. We highlight studies measuring fingertip forces during object manipulation tasks, as this approach allows for the dissection of the close association of sensory and motor function and can detect the discriminant use of sensory information during a complex, functional task (i.e., grasping). In addition, we discuss the importance of examining the interactions of the sensory and motor systems together, rather than in isolation. Finally, we suggest future directions for research to understand the underlying mechanisms of grasp impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gutterman
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Andrew M Gordon
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hughes C, Kozai T. Dynamic amplitude modulation of microstimulation evokes biomimetic onset and offset transients and reduces depression of evoked calcium responses in sensory cortices. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:939-965. [PMID: 37244370 PMCID: PMC10330928 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) is an emerging approach to restore sensation to people with neurological injury or disease. Biomimetic microstimulation, or stimulus trains that mimic neural activity in the brain through encoding of onset and offset transients, could improve the utility of ICMS for brain-computer interface (BCI) applications, but how biomimetic microstimulation affects neural activation is not understood. Current "biomimetic" ICMS trains aim to reproduce the strong onset and offset transients evoked in the brain by sensory input through dynamic modulation of stimulus parameters. Stimulus induced depression of neural activity (decreases in evoked intensity over time) is also a potential barrier to clinical implementation of sensory feedback, and dynamic microstimulation may reduce this effect. OBJECTIVE We evaluated how bio-inspired ICMS trains with dynamic modulation of amplitude and/or frequency change the calcium response, spatial distribution, and depression of neurons in the somatosensory and visual cortices. METHODS Calcium responses of neurons were measured in Layer 2/3 of visual and somatosensory cortices of anesthetized GCaMP6s mice in response to ICMS trains with fixed amplitude and frequency (Fixed) and three dynamic ICMS trains that increased the stimulation intensity during the onset and offset of stimulation by modulating the amplitude (DynAmp), frequency (DynFreq), or amplitude and frequency (DynBoth). ICMS was provided for either 1-s with 4-s breaks (Short) or for 30-s with 15-s breaks (Long). RESULTS DynAmp and DynBoth trains evoked distinct onset and offset transients in recruited neural populations, while DynFreq trains evoked population activity similar to Fixed trains. Individual neurons had heterogeneous responses primarily based on how quickly they depressed to ICMS, where neurons farther from the electrode depressed faster and a small subpopulation (1-5%) were modulated by DynFreq trains. Neurons that depressed to Short trains were also more likely to depress to Long trains, but Long trains induced more depression overall due to the increased stimulation length. Increasing the amplitude during the hold phase resulted in an increase in recruitment and intensity which resulted in more depression and reduced offset responses. Dynamic amplitude modulation reduced stimulation induced depression by 14.6 ± 0.3% for Short and 36.1 ± 0.6% for Long trains. Ideal observers were 0.031 ± 0.009 s faster for onset detection and 1.33 ± 0.21 s faster for offset detection with dynamic amplitude encoding. CONCLUSIONS Dynamic amplitude modulation evokes distinct onset and offset transients, reduces depression of neural calcium activity, and decreases total charge injection for sensory feedback in BCIs by lowering recruitment of neurons during long maintained periods of ICMS. In contrast, dynamic frequency modulation evokes distinct onset and offset transients in a small subpopulation of neurons but also reduces depression in recruited neurons by reducing the rate of activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hughes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, USA; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, USA
| | - Takashi Kozai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, USA; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dresp-Langley B. Grip force as a functional window to somatosensory cognition. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1026439. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1026439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of grip force signals tailored to hand and finger movement evolution and changes in grip force control during task execution provide unprecedented functional insight into somatosensory cognition. Somatosensory cognition is the basis of our ability to act upon and to transform the physical world around us, to recognize objects on the basis of touch alone, and to grasp them with the right amount of force for lifting and manipulating them. Recent technology has permitted the wireless monitoring of grip force signals recorded from biosensors in the palm of the human hand to track and trace human grip forces deployed in cognitive tasks executed under conditions of variable sensory (visual, auditory) input. Non-invasive multi-finger grip force sensor technology can be exploited to explore functional interactions between somatosensory brain mechanisms and motor control, in particular during learning a cognitive task where the planning and strategic execution of hand movements is essential. Sensorial and cognitive processes underlying manual skills and/or hand-specific (dominant versus non-dominant hand) behaviors can be studied in a variety of contexts by probing selected measurement loci in the fingers and palm of the human hand. Thousands of sensor data recorded from multiple spatial locations can be approached statistically to breathe functional sense into the forces measured under specific task constraints. Grip force patterns in individual performance profiling may reveal the evolution of grip force control as a direct result of cognitive changes during task learning. Grip forces can be functionally mapped to from-global-to-local coding principles in brain networks governing somatosensory processes for motor control in cognitive tasks leading to a specific task expertise or skill. Under the light of a comprehensive overview of recent discoveries into the functional significance of human grip force variations, perspectives for future studies in cognition, in particular the cognitive control of strategic and task relevant hand movements in complex real-world precision task, are pointed out.
Collapse
|
12
|
Gardner EP, Putrino DF, Chen Van Daele J. Neural representation in M1 and S1 cortex of bilateral hand actions during prehension. J Neurophysiol 2022; 127:1007-1025. [PMID: 35294304 PMCID: PMC8993539 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00374.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bimanual movements that require coordinated actions of the two hands may be coordinated by synchronous bilateral activation of somatosensory and motor cortical areas in both hemispheres, by enhanced activation of individual neurons specialized for bimanual actions, or by both mechanisms. To investigate cortical neural mechanisms that mediate unimanual and bimanual prehension, we compared actions of the left and right hands in a reach to grasp-and-pull instructed-delay task. Spike trains were recorded with multiple electrode arrays placed in the hand area of primary motor (M1) and somatosensory (S1) cortex of the right hemisphere in macaques, allowing us to measure and compare the relative timing, amplitude, and synchronization of cortical activity in these areas as animals grasped and manipulated objects that differed in shape and location. We report that neurons in the right hemisphere show common task-related firing patterns for the two hands but actions of the ipsilateral hand elicited weaker and shorter-duration responses than those of the contralateral hand. We report significant bimanual activation of neurons in M1 but not in S1 cortex when animals have free choice of hand use in prehension tasks. Population ensemble responses in M1 thereby provide an accurate depiction of hand actions during skilled manual tasks. These studies also demonstrate that somatosensory cortical areas serve important cognitive and motor functions in skilled hand actions. Bilateral representation of hand actions may serve an important role in "motor equivalence" when the same movements are performed by either hand and in transfer of skill learning between the hands.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Humans can manipulate small objects with the right or left hand but typically select the dominant hand to handle them. We trained monkeys to grasp and manipulate objects with either hand, while recording neural activity in primary motor (M1) and somatosensory (S1) cortex. Actions of both hands activate M1 neurons, but S1 neurons respond only to the contralateral hand. Bilateral sensitivity in M1 may aid skill transfer between hands after stroke or head injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther P Gardner
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine Public Health Research Institute, New York, New York
| | - David F Putrino
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gentile C, Cordella F, Zollo L. Hierarchical Human-Inspired Control Strategies for Prosthetic Hands. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22072521. [PMID: 35408135 PMCID: PMC9003226 DOI: 10.3390/s22072521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The abilities of the human hand have always fascinated people, and many studies have been devoted to describing and understanding a mechanism so perfect and important for human activities. Hand loss can significantly affect the level of autonomy and the capability of performing the activities of daily life. Although the technological improvements have led to the development of mechanically advanced commercial prostheses, the control strategies are rather simple (proportional or on/off control). The use of these commercial systems is unnatural and not intuitive, and therefore frequently abandoned by amputees. The components of an active prosthetic hand are the mechatronic device, the decoding system of human biological signals into gestures and the control law that translates all the inputs into desired movements. The real challenge is the development of a control law replacing human hand functions. This paper presents a literature review of the control strategies of prosthetics hands with a multiple-layer or hierarchical structure, and points out the main critical aspects of the current solutions, in terms of human's functions replicated with the prosthetic device. The paper finally provides several suggestions for designing a control strategy able to mimic the functions of the human hand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Gentile
- Unit of Advanced Robotics and Human-Centred Technologies, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (L.Z.)
- INAIL Prosthetic Center, Vigorso di Budrio, 40054 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesca Cordella
- Unit of Advanced Robotics and Human-Centred Technologies, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (L.Z.)
| | - Loredana Zollo
- Unit of Advanced Robotics and Human-Centred Technologies, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (L.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Action Observation Facilitates Anticipatory Control of Grasp for Object Mass but not Weight Distribution. Neurosci Lett 2022; 775:136549. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
15
|
Sobinov AR, Bensmaia SJ. The neural mechanisms of manual dexterity. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:741-757. [PMID: 34711956 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The hand endows us with unparalleled precision and versatility in our interactions with objects, from mundane activities such as grasping to extraordinary ones such as virtuoso pianism. The complex anatomy of the human hand combined with expansive and specialized neuronal control circuits allows a wide range of precise manual behaviours. To support these behaviours, an exquisite sensory apparatus, spanning the modalities of touch and proprioception, conveys detailed and timely information about our interactions with objects and about the objects themselves. The study of manual dexterity provides a unique lens into the sensorimotor mechanisms that endow the nervous system with the ability to flexibly generate complex behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton R Sobinov
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sliman J Bensmaia
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Committee on Computational Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Distinct behavior of the little finger during the vertical translation of an unsteady thumb platform while grasping. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21064. [PMID: 34702861 PMCID: PMC8548443 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00420-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Object stabilization while grasping is a common topic of research in motor control and robotics. Forces produced by the peripheral fingers (index and little) play a crucial role in sustaining the rotational equilibrium of a handheld object. In this study, we examined the contribution of the peripheral fingers towards object stabilization when the rotational equilibrium is disturbed. For this purpose, the thumb was placed over an unsteady platform and vertically translated. The task was to trace a trapezoid or an inverted trapezoid pattern by moving the thumb platform in the vertical direction. The thumb displacement data served as visual feedback to trace the pattern displayed. Participants were instructed to maintain the handle in static equilibrium at all times. We observed that the change in the normal force of the little finger due to the downward translation of the thumb was significantly greater than the change in the normal force of the index finger due to the upward translation. We speculate that morphological correlations (between thumb and little finger) during the displacement of the thumb might be a reason for such large increases in the little finger forces.
Collapse
|
17
|
Deo DR, Rezaii P, Hochberg LR, M Okamura A, Shenoy KV, Henderson JM. Effects of Peripheral Haptic Feedback on Intracortical Brain-Computer Interface Control and Associated Sensory Responses in Motor Cortex. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS 2021; 14:762-775. [PMID: 33844633 PMCID: PMC8745032 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2021.3072615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) provide people with paralysis a means to control devices with signals decoded from brain activity. Despite recent impressive advances, these devices still cannot approach able-bodied levels of control. To achieve naturalistic control and improved performance of neural prostheses, iBCIs will likely need to include proprioceptive feedback. With the goal of providing proprioceptive feedback via mechanical haptic stimulation, we aim to understand how haptic stimulation affects motor cortical neurons and ultimately, iBCI control. We provided skin shear haptic stimulation as a substitute for proprioception to the back of the neck of a person with tetraplegia. The neck location was determined via assessment of touch sensitivity using a monofilament test kit. The participant was able to correctly report skin shear at the back of the neck in 8 unique directions with 65% accuracy. We found motor cortical units that exhibited sensory responses to shear stimuli, some of which were strongly tuned to the stimuli and well modeled by cosine-shaped functions. In this article, we also demonstrated online iBCI cursor control with continuous skin-shear feedback driven by decoded command signals. Cursor control performance increased slightly but significantly when the participant was given haptic feedback, compared to the purely visual feedback condition.
Collapse
|
18
|
Fine adaptive precision grip control without maximum pinch strength changes after upper limb neurodynamic mobilization. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14009. [PMID: 34234161 PMCID: PMC8263565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Before and immediately after passive upper limb neurodynamic mobilizations targeting the median nerve, grip (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$G_F$$\end{document}GF) and load (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$L_F$$\end{document}LF) forces applied by the thumb, index and major fingers (three-jaw chuck pinch) were collected using a manipulandum during three different grip precision tasks: grip-lift-hold-replace (GLHR), vertical oscillations (OSC), and vertical oscillations with up and down collisions (OSC/COLL/u, OSC/COLL/d). Several parameters were collected or computed from \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$G_F$$\end{document}GF and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$L_F$$\end{document}LF. Maximum pinch strength and fingertips pressure sensation threshold were also examined. After the mobilizations, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$L_F$$\end{document}LF max changes from 3.2 ± 0.4 to 3.4 ± 0.4 N (p = 0.014), d\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$G_F$$\end{document}GF from 89.0 ± 66.6 to 102.2 ± 59.6 \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$N~\text{s}^{-1}$$\end{document}Ns-1 (p = 0.009), and d\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$L_F$$\end{document}LF from 43.6 ± 17.0 to 56.0 ± 17.9 \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$N~\text{s}^{-1}$$\end{document}Ns-1 (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$p<$$\end{document}p<0.001) during GLHR. \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$L_F$$\end{document}LF SD changes from 0.9 ± 0.3 to 1.0 ± 0.2 N (p = 0.004) during OSC. \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$L_F$$\end{document}LF peak changes from 17.4 ± 8.3 to 15.1 ± 7.5 N (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$p<$$\end{document}p<0.001), \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$G_F$$\end{document}GF from 12.4 ± 6.7 to 11.3 ± 6.8 N (p = 0.033), and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$L_F$$\end{document}LF from 2.9 ± 0.4 to 3.00 ± 0.4 N (p = 0.018) during OSC/COLL/u. \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$G_F$$\end{document}GF peak changes from 13.5 ± 7.4 to 12.3 ± 7.7 N (p = 0.030) and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$L_F$$\end{document}LF from 14.5 ± 6.0 to 13.6 ± 5.5 N (p = 0.018) during OSC/COLL/d. Sensation thresholds at index and thumb were reduced (p = 0.001, p = 0.008). Precision grip adaptations observed after the mobilizations could be partly explained by changes in cutaneous median-nerve pressure afferents from the thumb and index fingertips.
Collapse
|
19
|
Tai KC. Using a ripple wall to help blind people measure the water level in a container. ERGONOMICS 2020; 63:1475-1484. [PMID: 32757889 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1807063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine whether swiping the ripple wall of a container can help blind people to measure the water level in it. Swiping the ripples on the wall of a container above the water level produces a different sound from doing so below the water level, and this difference in sound may be able to indicate the level of water in the container. Such sound differences associated with 27 3 D-printed containers with a capacity of 500 ml and various forms were recorded. One of the printed containers and a commercially available beverage container were tested by blind people to measure water levels in three operations. The experimental results reveal that the thickness of the wall affected the sound most strongly. The errors in the estimated water levels were significantly smaller when the containers was lifted and swiped than when it was lifted only. Practitioner summary: Lifting only is used by blind people to judge the fullness of a container. The experimental results reveal that the errors in the estimated water levels were significantly smaller when blind people lifted and swiped a 500 ml container with a ripple wall than when it was lifted only. Abbreviations: FA I: fast adapting fibers I; FA II: fast adapting fibers II; SA I: slowly adapting fibers I; SA II: slowly adapting fibers II.
Collapse
|
20
|
Klein LK, Maiello G, Paulun VC, Fleming RW. Predicting precision grip grasp locations on three-dimensional objects. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1008081. [PMID: 32750070 PMCID: PMC7428291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We rarely experience difficulty picking up objects, yet of all potential contact points on the surface, only a small proportion yield effective grasps. Here, we present extensive behavioral data alongside a normative model that correctly predicts human precision grasping of unfamiliar 3D objects. We tracked participants' forefinger and thumb as they picked up objects of 10 wood and brass cubes configured to tease apart effects of shape, weight, orientation, and mass distribution. Grasps were highly systematic and consistent across repetitions and participants. We employed these data to construct a model which combines five cost functions related to force closure, torque, natural grasp axis, grasp aperture, and visibility. Even without free parameters, the model predicts individual grasps almost as well as different individuals predict one another's, but fitting weights reveals the relative importance of the different constraints. The model also accurately predicts human grasps on novel 3D-printed objects with more naturalistic geometries and is robust to perturbations in its key parameters. Together, the findings provide a unified account of how we successfully grasp objects of different 3D shape, orientation, mass, and mass distribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina K. Klein
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Guido Maiello
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Vivian C. Paulun
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Roland W. Fleming
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Seven Properties of Self-Organization in the Human Brain. BIG DATA AND COGNITIVE COMPUTING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/bdcc4020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The principle of self-organization has acquired a fundamental significance in the newly emerging field of computational philosophy. Self-organizing systems have been described in various domains in science and philosophy including physics, neuroscience, biology and medicine, ecology, and sociology. While system architecture and their general purpose may depend on domain-specific concepts and definitions, there are (at least) seven key properties of self-organization clearly identified in brain systems: (1) modular connectivity, (2) unsupervised learning, (3) adaptive ability, (4) functional resiliency, (5) functional plasticity, (6) from-local-to-global functional organization, and (7) dynamic system growth. These are defined here in the light of insight from neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience and Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART), and physics to show that self-organization achieves stability and functional plasticity while minimizing structural system complexity. A specific example informed by empirical research is discussed to illustrate how modularity, adaptive learning, and dynamic network growth enable stable yet plastic somatosensory representation for human grip force control. Implications for the design of “strong” artificial intelligence in robotics are brought forward.
Collapse
|
22
|
Hughes C, Herrera A, Gaunt R, Collinger J. Bidirectional brain-computer interfaces. BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES 2020; 168:163-181. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63934-9.00013-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
23
|
Miall RC, Rosenthal O, Ørstavik K, Cole JD, Sarlegna FR. Loss of haptic feedback impairs control of hand posture: a study in chronically deafferented individuals when grasping and lifting objects. Exp Brain Res 2019; 237:2167-2184. [PMID: 31209510 PMCID: PMC6675781 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-019-05583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous work has highlighted the role of haptic feedback for manual dexterity, in particular for the control of precision grip forces between the index finger and thumb. It is unclear how fine motor skills involving more than just two digits might be affected, especially given that loss of sensation from the hand affects many neurological patients, and impacts on everyday actions. To assess the functional consequences of haptic deficits on multi-digit grasp of objects, we studied the ability of three rare individuals with permanent large-fibre sensory loss involving the entire upper limb. All three reported difficulties in everyday manual actions (ABILHAND questionnaire). Their performance in a reach-grasp-lift task was compared to that of healthy controls. Twenty objects of varying shape, mass, opacity and compliance were used. In the reach-to-grasp phase, we found slower movement, larger grip aperture and less dynamic modulation of grip aperture in deafferented participants compared to controls. Hand posture during the lift phase also differed; deafferented participants often adopted hand postures that may have facilitated visual guidance, and/or reduced control complexity. For example, they would extend fingers that were not in contact with the object, or fold these fingers into the palm of the hand. Variability in hand postures was increased in deafferented participants, particularly for smaller objects. Our findings provide new insights into how the complex control required for whole hand actions is compromised by loss of haptic feedback, whose contribution is, thus, highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Chris Miall
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Orna Rosenthal
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Jonathan D Cole
- Centre of Postgraduate Research and Education, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lee-Miller T, Santello M, Gordon AM. Hand forces and placement are modulated and covary during anticipatory control of bimanual manipulation. J Neurophysiol 2019; 121:2276-2290. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00760.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dexterous object manipulation relies on the feedforward and feedback control of kinetics (forces) and kinematics (hand shaping and digit placement). Lifting objects with an uneven mass distribution involves the generation of compensatory moments at object lift-off to counter object torques. This is accomplished through the modulation and covariation of digit forces and placement, which has been shown to be a general feature of unimanual manipulation. These feedforward anticipatory processes occur before performance-specific feedback. Whether this adaptation is a feature unique to unimanual dexterous manipulation or general across unimanual and bimanual manipulation is not known. We investigated the generation of compensatory moments through hand placement and force modulation during bimanual manipulation of an object with variable center of mass. Participants were instructed to prevent object roll during the lift. Similar to unimanual grasping, we found modulation and covariation of hand forces and placement for successful performance. Thus this motor adaptation of the anticipatory control of compensatory moment is a general feature across unimanual and bimanual effectors. Our results highlight the involvement of high-level representation of manipulation goals and underscore a sensorimotor circuitry for anticipatory control through a continuum of force and placement modulation of object manipulation across a range of effectors. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study, to our knowledge, to show that successful bimanual manipulation of objects with asymmetrical centers of mass is performed through the modulation and covariation of hand forces and placements to generate compensatory moments. Digit force-to-placement modulation is thus a general phenomenon across multiple effectors, such as the fingers of one hand, and both hands. This adds to our understanding of integrating low-level internal representations of object properties into high-level task representations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Lee-Miller
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Marco Santello
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Andrew M. Gordon
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pearson-Dennett V, Faulkner PL, Collie B, Wilcox RA, Vogel AP, Thewlis D, Esterman A, McDonnell MN, Gandevia SC, White JM, Todd G. Use of illicit amphetamines is associated with long-lasting changes in hand circuitry and control. Clin Neurophysiol 2019; 130:655-665. [PMID: 30870801 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aim was to determine if use of illicit amphetamines or ecstasy is associated with abnormal excitability of the corticomotoneuronal pathway and manipulation of novel objects with the hand. METHODS Three groups of adults aged 18-50 years were investigated: individuals with a history of illicit amphetamine use, individuals with a history of ecstasy use but minimal use of other stimulants, and non-drug users. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was delivered to the motor cortex and the electromyographic response (motor evoked potential; MEP) was recorded from a contralateral hand muscle. Participants also gripped and lifted a novel experimental object consisting of two strain gauges and an accelerometer. RESULTS Resting MEP amplitude was larger in the amphetamine group (6M, 6F) than the non-drug and ecstasy groups (p < 0.005) in males but not females. Overestimation of grip force during manipulation of a novel object was observed in the amphetamine group (p = 0.020) but not the ecstasy group. CONCLUSIONS History of illicit amphetamine use, in particular methamphetamine, is associated with abnormal motor cortical and/or corticomotoneuronal excitability in males and abnormal manipulation of novel objects in both males and females. SIGNIFICANCE Abnormal excitability and hand function is evident months to years after cessation of illicit amphetamine use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verity Pearson-Dennett
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Patrick L Faulkner
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Brittany Collie
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Robert A Wilcox
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; Department of Neurology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; Human Physiology, Medical School, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Adam P Vogel
- Centre for Neuroscience of Speech, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany; Redenlab, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
| | - Dominic Thewlis
- Centre for Orthopaedic & Trauma Research, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
| | - Adrian Esterman
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Michelle N McDonnell
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Simon C Gandevia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, PO Box 1165, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Jason M White
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Gabrielle Todd
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sadeghi M, Sheahan HR, Ingram JN, Wolpert DM. The visual geometry of a tool modulates generalization during adaptation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2731. [PMID: 30804540 PMCID: PMC6389992 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39507-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge about a tool’s dynamics can be acquired from the visual configuration of the tool and through physical interaction. Here, we examine how visual information affects the generalization of dynamic learning during tool use. Subjects rotated a virtual hammer-like object while we varied the object dynamics separately for two rotational directions. This allowed us to quantify the coupling of adaptation between the directions, that is, how adaptation transferred from one direction to the other. Two groups experienced the same dynamics of the object. For one group, the object’s visual configuration was displayed, while for the other, the visual display was uninformative as to the dynamics. We fit a range of context-dependent state-space models to the data, comparing different forms of coupling. We found that when the object’s visual configuration was explicitly provided, there was substantial coupling, such that 31% of learning in one direction transferred to the other. In contrast, when the visual configuration was ambiguous, despite experiencing the same dynamics, the coupling was reduced to 12%. Our results suggest that generalization of dynamic learning of a tool relies, not only on its dynamic behaviour, but also on the visual configuration with which the dynamics is associated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Sadeghi
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK.
| | - Hannah R Sheahan
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - James N Ingram
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK.,Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Daniel M Wolpert
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK.,Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Toma S, Shibata D, Chinello F, Prattichizzo D, Santello M. Linear Integration of Tactile and Non-tactile Inputs Mediates Estimation of Fingertip Relative Position. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:68. [PMID: 30804743 PMCID: PMC6378372 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
While skin, joints and muscles receptors alone provide lower level information about individual variables (e.g., exerted limb force and limb displacement), the distance between limb endpoints (i.e., relative position) has to be extracted from high level integration of somatosensory and motor signals. In particular, estimation of fingertip relative position likely involves more complex sensorimotor transformations than those underlying hand or arm position sense: the brain has to estimate where each fingertip is relative to the hand and where fingertips are relative to each other. It has been demonstrated that during grasping, feedback of digit position drives rapid adjustments of fingers force control. However, it has been shown that estimation of fingertips' relative position can be biased by digit forces. These findings raise the question of how the brain combines concurrent tactile (i.e., cutaneous mechanoreceptors afferents induced by skin pressure and stretch) and non-tactile (i.e., both descending motor command and joint/muscle receptors signals associated to muscle contraction) digit force-related inputs for fingertip distance estimation. Here we addressed this question by quantifying the contribution of tactile and non-tactile force-related inputs for the estimation of fingertip relative position. We asked subjects to match fingertip vertical distance relying only on either tactile or non-tactile inputs from the thumb and index fingertip, and compared their performance with the condition where both types of inputs were combined. We found that (a) the bias in the estimation of fingertip distance persisted when tactile inputs and non-tactile force-related signals were presented in isolation; (b) tactile signals contributed the most to the estimation of fingertip distance; (c) linear summation of the matching errors relying only on either tactile or non-tactile inputs was comparable to the matching error when both inputs were simultaneously available. These findings reveal a greater role of tactile signals for sensing fingertip distance and suggest a linear integration mechanism with non-tactile inputs for the estimation of fingertip relative position.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Toma
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Daisuke Shibata
- Athletic Training Education Program, Department of Health Exercise and Sports Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Francesco Chinello
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Department of Business Development and Technology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Marco Santello
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Davare M, Parikh PJ, Santello M. Sensorimotor uncertainty modulates corticospinal excitability during skilled object manipulation. J Neurophysiol 2019; 121:1162-1170. [PMID: 30726158 PMCID: PMC6485741 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00800.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorimotor memory built through previous hand-object interactions allows subjects to plan grasp forces. The memory-based mechanism is particularly effective when contact points on the object do not change across multiple manipulations, thus allowing subjects to generate the same forces in a feedforward fashion. However, allowing subjects to choose where to grasp an object causes trial-to-trial variability in fingertip positioning, suggesting a decreased ability to predict where the object will be grasped. In this scenario, subjects modulate forces on a trial-to-trial basis as a function of fingertip positioning. We suggested that this fingertip force-to-position modulation could be implemented by transforming feedback of digit placement into an accurate distribution of fingertip forces. Thus, decreasing certainty of fingertip position on an object would cause a shift from predominantly memory- to feedback-based force control mechanisms. To gain further insight into these sensorimotor transformation mechanisms, we asked subjects to grasp and lift an object with an asymmetrical center of mass while preventing it from tilting. To isolate the effect of digit placement uncertainty, we designed two experimental conditions that differed in terms of predictability of fingertip position but had similar average fingertip positioning and force distribution. We measured corticospinal excitability to probe possible changes in sensorimotor processing associated with digit placement uncertainty. We found a differential effect of sensorimotor uncertainty after but not before object contact. Our results suggest that sensorimotor integration is rapidly tuned after object contact based on different processing demands for memory versus feedback mechanisms underlying the control of manipulative forces. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The relative contribution of predictive and feedback mechanisms for scaling digit forces to position during dexterous manipulation depends on the predictability of where the object will be grasped. We found that corticospinal excitability shortly after contact was sensitive to digit position predictability. This supports the proposition that distinct sensorimotor integration processes are engaged, depending on the role of feedback about digit placement versus sensorimotor memory in controlling manipulative forces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Davare
- Department of Movement Sciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven , Belgium.,Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London , London United Kingdom
| | - Pranav J Parikh
- Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas.,School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona
| | - Marco Santello
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
A hypothetical neural network model for generation of human precision grip. Neural Netw 2019; 110:213-224. [PMID: 30597446 DOI: 10.1016/j.neunet.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Humans can stably hold and skillfully manipulate an object by coordinated control of a complex, redundant musculoskeletal system. However, how the human central nervous system actually accomplishes precision grip tasks by coordinated control of fingertip forces remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to construct a hypothetical neural network model that can spontaneously generate humanlike precision grip. The nervous system was modeled as a recurrent neural network model prescribing kinematic and kinetic constraints that must be satisfied in precision grip tasks in the form of energy functions. The recurrent neural network autonomously behaves so as to decrease the energy functions; therefore, given the estimated mass and center-of-mass location of the target object, the nervous system model can spontaneously generate muscle activation signals that achieve stable precision grips due to dynamic relaxation of the energy functions embedded in the nervous system. Fingertip forces are modulated by sensory information about slip between the object and fingertips. A two-dimensional musculoskeletal model of the human hand with a thumb and an index finger was constructed. Forward dynamic simulation of the precision grip was performed using the proposed neural network model. Our results demonstrated that the proposed neural network model could stably pinch and successfully hold up the object in various conditions, including changes in friction, object shape, object mass, and center-of-mass location. The proposed hypothetical neuro-computational model may possibly explain some aspects of the control strategy humans use for precision grip.
Collapse
|
30
|
Kurihara J, Lee B, Hara D, Noguchi N, Yamazaki T. Increased center of pressure trajectory of the finger during precision grip task in stroke patients. Exp Brain Res 2018; 237:327-333. [PMID: 30406395 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-5425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the spatial stability of stroke patients while holding a freely movable object. Twenty-two acute stroke patients with mild hand impairment performed a grip and lift task using the thumb and index finger. The displacement of the center of pressure (COP) trajectory, the grip force (GF) and several clinical parameters were monitored. Although the GF was not different between paretic and nonparetic hands, the COP trajectory of the paretic index finger was increased. Moreover, the COP trajectories of the thumb and index finger in hemorrhagic patients were longer than those in ischemic patients. These discrepancies between kinetic parameters suggest that different aspects of grip force control may be considered in patients with mild stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Kurihara
- Division of Rehabilitation Service, Geriatrics Research Institute and Hospital, 3-26-8, Otomachi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-0847, Japan
| | - Bumsuk Lee
- Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8514, Japan.
| | - Daichi Hara
- Department of Rehabilitation, Maebashi Red Cross Hospital, 3-21-26, Asahi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-0014, Japan
| | - Naoto Noguchi
- Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8514, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Yamazaki
- Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8514, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rojhani-Shirazi Z, Hemmati L, Saadat Z, Shirzadi Z. The comparison of pinch strength among female typists and female non-typists. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2018; 22:605-607. [PMID: 30100284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Typing is a common activity involving repetitive motion that can increase the risk of work-related injuries. To the best of our knowledge, the effect of typing on the pinch strength has not been investigated so far. OBJECTIVE To investigate the pinch strength amongst female typists and non-typists. METHOD Thirty female typists and 30 female non-typists, aged 20-30 years old, participated in this prospective study. The pinch strength of the second, third, fourth and fifth fingers of the dominant hand was measured in a sitting position, using a pinch gauge. The data were analyzed using independent sample t-test. RESULTS The results showed that there were significant differences in the pinch strength of the second, third and fourth fingers between the two groups. The strength of these fingers was reduced more than that in female non-typists. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that pinch strength might have decreased in female typists due to sharing common attentional resources, muscle fiber composition, and muscle fiber fatigue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rojhani-Shirazi
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Rehabilitation Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ladan Hemmati
- Student Research Committee, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Saadat
- Student Research Committee, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Zeinab Shirzadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Farshchian A, Sciutti A, Pressman A, Nisky I, Mussa-Ivaldi FA. Energy exchanges at contact events guide sensorimotor integration. eLife 2018; 7:32587. [PMID: 29809144 PMCID: PMC5990365 DOI: 10.7554/elife.32587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain must consider the arm’s inertia to predict the arm's movements elicited by commands impressed upon the muscles. Here, we present evidence suggesting that the integration of sensory information leading to the representation of the arm's inertia does not take place continuously in time but only at discrete transient events, in which kinetic energy is exchanged between the arm and the environment. We used a visuomotor delay to induce cross-modal variations in state feedback and uncovered that the difference between visual and proprioceptive velocity estimations at isolated collision events was compensated by a change in the representation of arm inertia. The compensation maintained an invariant estimate across modalities of the expected energy exchange with the environment. This invariance captures different types of dysmetria observed across individuals following prolonged exposure to a fixed intermodal temporal perturbation and provides a new interpretation for cerebellar ataxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Farshchian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States.,Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Alessandra Sciutti
- Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,Department of Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
| | - Assaf Pressman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Ilana Nisky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Ferdinando A Mussa-Ivaldi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States.,Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States.,Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Transection of the median nerve typically causes lifelong restriction of fine sensory and motor skills of the affected hand despite the best available surgical treatment. Inspired by recent findings on activity-dependent structural plasticity of the adult brain, we used voxel-based morphometry to analyze the brains of 16 right-handed adults who more than two years earlier had suffered injury to the left or right median nerve followed by microsurgical repair. Healthy individuals served as matched controls. Irrespective of side of injury, we observed gray matter reductions in left ventral and right dorsal premotor cortex, and white matter reductions in commissural pathways interconnecting those motor areas. Only left-side injured participants showed gray matter reduction in the hand area of the contralesional primary motor cortex. We interpret these effects as structural manifestations of reduced neural processing linked to restrictions in the diversity of the natural manual dexterity repertoire. Furthermore, irrespective of side of injury, we observed gray matter increases bilaterally in a motion-processing visual area. We interpret this finding as a consequence of increased neural processing linked to greater dependence on vision for control of manual dexterity after median nerve injury because of a compromised somatosensory innervation of the affected hand.
Collapse
|
34
|
White O, Thonnard JL, Lefèvre P, Hermsdörfer J. Grip Force Adjustments Reflect Prediction of Dynamic Consequences in Varying Gravitoinertial Fields. Front Physiol 2018. [PMID: 29527176 PMCID: PMC5829530 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have a remarkable ability to adjust the way they manipulate tools through a genuine regulation of grip force according to the task. However, rapid changes in the dynamical context may challenge this skill, as shown in many experimental approaches. Most experiments adopt perturbation paradigms that affect only one sensory modality. We hypothesize that very fast adaptation can occur if coherent information from multiple sensory modalities is provided to the central nervous system. Here, we test whether participants can switch between different and never experienced dynamical environments induced by centrifugation of the body. Seven participants lifted an object four times in a row successively in 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 2, 1.5, and 1 g. We continuously measured grip force, load force and the gravitoinertial acceleration that was aligned with body axis (perceived gravity). Participants adopted stereotyped grasping movements immediately upon entry in a new environment and needed only one trial to adapt grip forces to a stable performance in each new gravity environment. This result was underlined by good correlations between grip and load forces in the first trial. Participants predictively applied larger grip forces when they expected increasing gravity steps. They also decreased grip force when they expected decreasing gravity steps, but not as much as they could, indicating imperfect anticipation in that condition. The participants' performance could rather be explained by a combination of successful scaling of grip force according to gravity changes and a separate safety factor. The data suggest that in highly unfamiliar dynamic environments, grip force regulation is characterized by a combination of a successful anticipation of the experienced environmental condition, a safety factor reflecting strategic response to uncertainties about the environment and rapid feedback mechanisms to optimize performance under constant conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier White
- INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, Dijon, France
| | - Jean-Louis Thonnard
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.,Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Philippe Lefèvre
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.,Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Electronics and Applied Mathematics, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Joachim Hermsdörfer
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Institute of Human Movement Science, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gueorguiev D, Vezzoli E, Mouraux A, Lemaire-Semail B, Thonnard JL. The tactile perception of transient changes in friction. J R Soc Interface 2017; 14:20170641. [PMID: 29212757 PMCID: PMC5746570 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
When we touch an object or explore a texture, frictional strains are induced by the tactile interactions with the surface of the object. Little is known about how these interactions are perceived, although it becomes crucial for the nascent industry of interactive displays with haptic feedback (e.g. smartphones and tablets) where tactile feedback based on friction modulation is particularly relevant. To investigate the human perception of frictional strains, we mounted a high-fidelity friction modulating ultrasonic device on a robotic platform performing controlled rubbing of the fingertip and asked participants to detect induced decreases of friction during a forced-choice task. The ability to perceive the changes in friction was found to follow Weber's Law of just noticeable differences, as it consistently depended on the ratio between the reduction in tangential force and the pre-stimulation tangential force. The Weber fraction was 0.11 in all conditions demonstrating a very high sensitivity to transient changes in friction. Humid fingers experienced less friction reduction than drier ones for the same intensity of ultrasonic vibration but the Weber fraction for detecting changes in friction was not influenced by the humidity of the skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Gueorguiev
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- INRIA Lille Nord-Europe, 59650 Villeneuve d'Asq, France
| | - Eric Vezzoli
- Univ. Lille, Centrale Lille, Arts et Metiers ParisTech, HEI, EA 2697 - L2EP - Laboratoire d'Electrotechnique et d'Electronique de Puissance, 59000 Lille, France
| | - André Mouraux
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Betty Lemaire-Semail
- Univ. Lille, Centrale Lille, Arts et Metiers ParisTech, HEI, EA 2697 - L2EP - Laboratoire d'Electrotechnique et d'Electronique de Puissance, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Jean-Louis Thonnard
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lucas TH, Liu X, Zhang M, Sritharan S, Planell-Mendez I, Ghenbot Y, Torres-Maldonado S, Brandon C, Van der Spiegel J, Richardson AG. Strategies for Autonomous Sensor-Brain Interfaces for Closed-Loop Sensory Reanimation of Paralyzed Limbs. Neurosurgery 2017; 64:11-20. [PMID: 28899065 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyx367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy H Lucas
- Translational Neuromodulation Labora-tory, Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, Department of Neuro-surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xilin Liu
- School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Milin Zhang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Sri Sritharan
- Translational Neuromodulation Labora-tory, Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, Department of Neuro-surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ivette Planell-Mendez
- Translational Neuromodulation Labora-tory, Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, Department of Neuro-surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yohannes Ghenbot
- Translational Neuromodulation Labora-tory, Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, Department of Neuro-surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Solymar Torres-Maldonado
- Translational Neuromodulation Labora-tory, Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, Department of Neuro-surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Cameron Brandon
- Translational Neuromodulation Labora-tory, Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, Department of Neuro-surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jan Van der Spiegel
- School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew G Richardson
- Translational Neuromodulation Labora-tory, Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, Department of Neuro-surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ryun S, Kim JS, Jeon E, Chung CK. Movement-Related Sensorimotor High-Gamma Activity Mainly Represents Somatosensory Feedback. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:408. [PMID: 28769747 PMCID: PMC5509940 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensation plays pivotal roles in the everyday motor control of humans. During active movement, there exists a prominent high-gamma (HG >50 Hz) power increase in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), and this provides an important feature in relation to the decoding of movement in a brain-machine interface (BMI). However, one concern of BMI researchers is the inflation of the decoding performance due to the activation of somatosensory feedback, which is not elicited in patients who have lost their sensorimotor function. In fact, it is unclear as to how much the HG component activated in S1 contributes to the overall sensorimotor HG power during voluntary movement. With regard to other functional roles of HG in S1, recent findings have reported that these HG power levels increase before the onset of actual movement, which implies neural activation for top-down movement preparation or sensorimotor interaction, i.e., an efference copy. These results are promising for BMI applications but remain inconclusive. Here, we found using electrocorticography (ECoG) from eight patients that HG activation in S1 is stronger and more informative than it is in the primary motor cortex (M1) regardless of the type of movement. We also demonstrate by means of electromyography (EMG) that the onset timing of the HG power in S1 is later (49 ms) than that of the actual movement. Interestingly, we show that the HG power fluctuations in S1 are closely related to subtle muscle contractions, even during the pre-movement period. These results suggest the following: (1) movement-related HG activity in S1 strongly affects the overall sensorimotor HG power, and (2) HG activity in S1 during voluntary movement mainly represents cortical neural processing for somatosensory feedback.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seokyun Ryun
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Natural SciencesSeoul, South Korea
| | - June S Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural SciencesSeoul, South Korea
| | - Eunjeong Jeon
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural SciencesSeoul, South Korea
| | - Chun K Chung
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Natural SciencesSeoul, South Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural SciencesSeoul, South Korea.,Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Martin-Brevet S, Jarrassé N, Burdet E, Roby-Brami A. Taxonomy based analysis of force exchanges during object grasping and manipulation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178185. [PMID: 28562617 PMCID: PMC5451044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The flexibility of the human hand in object manipulation is essential for daily life activities, but remains relatively little explored with quantitative methods. On the one hand, recent taxonomies describe qualitatively the classes of hand postures for object grasping and manipulation. On the other hand, the quantitative analysis of hand function has been generally restricted to precision grip (with thumb and index opposition) during lifting tasks. The aim of the present study is to fill the gap between these two kinds of descriptions, by investigating quantitatively the forces exerted by the hand on an instrumented object in a set of representative manipulation tasks. The object was a parallelepiped object able to measure the force exerted on the six faces and its acceleration. The grasping force was estimated from the lateral force and the unloading force from the bottom force. The protocol included eleven tasks with complementary constraints inspired by recent taxonomies: four tasks corresponding to lifting and holding the object with different grasp configurations, and seven to manipulating the object (rotation around each of its axis and translation). The grasping and unloading forces and object rotations were measured during the five phases of the actions: unloading, lifting, holding or manipulation, preparation to deposit, and deposit. The results confirm the tight regulation between grasping and unloading forces during lifting, and extend this to the deposit phase. In addition, they provide a precise description of the regulation of force exchanges during various manipulation tasks spanning representative actions of daily life. The timing of manipulation showed both sequential and overlapping organization of the different sub-actions, and micro-errors could be detected. This phenomenological study confirms the feasibility of using an instrumented object to investigate complex manipulative behavior in humans. This protocol will be used in the future to investigate upper-limb dexterity in patients with sensory-motor impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Martin-Brevet
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR 7222, Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, Paris, France
- INSERM, U1150, Agathe-Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, Paris, France
| | - Nathanaël Jarrassé
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR 7222, Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, Paris, France
- INSERM, U1150, Agathe-Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Burdet
- Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Agnès Roby-Brami
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR 7222, Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, Paris, France
- INSERM, U1150, Agathe-Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pavlova EL, Borg J. Impact of Tactile Sensation on Dexterity: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients With Impaired Hand Function After Stroke. J Mot Behav 2017; 50:134-143. [DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2017.1306482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena L. Pavlova
- Department of Clinical Sciences Karolinska Institute, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jörgen Borg
- Department of Clinical Sciences Karolinska Institute, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Perturbed oral motor control due to anesthesia during intraoral manipulation of food. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46691. [PMID: 28425479 PMCID: PMC5397972 DOI: 10.1038/srep46691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory information from periodontal mechanoreceptors (PMRs) surrounding the roots of natural teeth is important for optimizing the positioning of food and adjustment of force vectors during precision biting. The present experiment was designed to test the hypothesis; that reduction of afferent inputs from the PMRs, by anesthesia, perturbs the oral fine motor control and related jaw movements during intraoral manipulation of morsels of food. Thirty healthy volunteers with a natural dentition were equally divided into experimental and control groups. The participants in both groups were asked to manipulate and split a spherical candy into two equal halves with the front teeth. An intervention was made by anesthetizing the upper and lower incisors of the experimental group while the control group performed the task without intervention. Performance of the split was evaluated and the jaw movement recorded. The experimental group demonstrated a significant decrease in measures of performance following local anesthesia. However, there was no significant changes in the duration or position of the jaw during movements in the experimental and control group. In conclusion, transient deprivation of sensory information from PMRs perturbs oral fine motor control during intraoral manipulation of food, however, no significant alterations in duration or positions of the jaw during movements can be observed.
Collapse
|
41
|
Intracortical Microstimulation as a Feedback Source for Brain-Computer Interface Users. SPRINGERBRIEFS IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-64373-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
42
|
Carteron A, McPartlan K, Gioeli C, Reid E, Turturro M, Hahn B, Benson C, Zhang W. Temporary Nerve Block at Selected Digits Revealed Hand Motor Deficits in Grasping Tasks. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:596. [PMID: 27932964 PMCID: PMC5122577 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral sensory feedback plays a crucial role in ensuring correct motor execution throughout hand grasp control. Previous studies utilized local anesthesia to deprive somatosensory feedback in the digits or hand, observations included sensorimotor deficits at both corticospinal and peripheral levels. However, the questions of how the disturbed and intact sensory input integrate and interact with each other to assist the motor program execution, and whether the motor coordination based on motor output variability between affected and non-affected elements (e.g., digits) becomes interfered by the local sensory deficiency, have not been answered. The current study aims to investigate the effect of peripheral deafferentation through digital nerve blocks at selective digits on motor performance and motor coordination in grasp control. Our results suggested that the absence of somatosensory information induced motor deficits in hand grasp control, as evidenced by reduced maximal force production ability in both local and non-local digits, impairment of force and moment control during object lift and hold, and attenuated motor synergies in stabilizing task performance variables, namely the tangential force and moment of force. These findings implied that individual sensory input is shared across all the digits and the disturbed signal from local sensory channel(s) has a more comprehensive impact on the process of the motor output execution in the sensorimotor integration process. Additionally, a feedback control mechanism with a sensation-based component resides in the formation process for the motor covariation structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aude Carteron
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, City University of New York Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Kerry McPartlan
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, City University of New York Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Christina Gioeli
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, City University of New York Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Emily Reid
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, City University of New York Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Matt Turturro
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, City University of New York Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Barry Hahn
- Emergency Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Cynthia Benson
- Emergency Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, City University of New YorkStaten Island, NY, USA; Ph.D. Program in Biology, Graduate School and University Center, City University of New YorkNew York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cashaback JGA, McGregor HR, Pun HCH, Buckingham G, Gribble PL. Does the sensorimotor system minimize prediction error or select the most likely prediction during object lifting? J Neurophysiol 2016; 117:260-274. [PMID: 27760821 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00609.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human sensorimotor system is routinely capable of making accurate predictions about an object's weight, which allows for energetically efficient lifts and prevents objects from being dropped. Often, however, poor predictions arise when the weight of an object can vary and sensory cues about object weight are sparse (e.g., picking up an opaque water bottle). The question arises, what strategies does the sensorimotor system use to make weight predictions when one is dealing with an object whose weight may vary? For example, does the sensorimotor system use a strategy that minimizes prediction error (minimal squared error) or one that selects the weight that is most likely to be correct (maximum a posteriori)? In this study we dissociated the predictions of these two strategies by having participants lift an object whose weight varied according to a skewed probability distribution. We found, using a small range of weight uncertainty, that four indexes of sensorimotor prediction (grip force rate, grip force, load force rate, and load force) were consistent with a feedforward strategy that minimizes the square of prediction errors. These findings match research in the visuomotor system, suggesting parallels in underlying processes. We interpret our findings within a Bayesian framework and discuss the potential benefits of using a minimal squared error strategy. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a novel experimental model of object lifting, we tested whether the sensorimotor system models the weight of objects by minimizing lifting errors or by selecting the statistically most likely weight. We found that the sensorimotor system minimizes the square of prediction errors for object lifting. This parallels the results of studies that investigated visually guided reaching, suggesting an overlap in the underlying mechanisms between tasks that involve different sensory systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua G A Cashaback
- Brain and Mind Institute, Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada;
| | - Heather R McGregor
- Brain and Mind Institute, Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Henry C H Pun
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Gavin Buckingham
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Paul L Gribble
- Brain and Mind Institute, Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; and
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Flesher SN, Collinger JL, Foldes ST, Weiss JM, Downey JE, Tyler-Kabara EC, Bensmaia SJ, Schwartz AB, Boninger ML, Gaunt RA. Intracortical microstimulation of human somatosensory cortex. Sci Transl Med 2016; 8:361ra141. [PMID: 27738096 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaf8083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 396] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intracortical microstimulation of the somatosensory cortex offers the potential for creating a sensory neuroprosthesis to restore tactile sensation. Whereas animal studies have suggested that both cutaneous and proprioceptive percepts can be evoked using this approach, the perceptual quality of the stimuli cannot be measured in these experiments. We show that microstimulation within the hand area of the somatosensory cortex of a person with long-term spinal cord injury evokes tactile sensations perceived as originating from locations on the hand and that cortical stimulation sites are organized according to expected somatotopic principles. Many of these percepts exhibit naturalistic characteristics (including feelings of pressure), can be evoked at low stimulation amplitudes, and remain stable for months. Further, modulating the stimulus amplitude grades the perceptual intensity of the stimuli, suggesting that intracortical microstimulation could be used to convey information about the contact location and pressure necessary to perform dexterous hand movements associated with object manipulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharlene N Flesher
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jennifer L Collinger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
| | - Stephen T Foldes
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Weiss
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - John E Downey
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Tyler-Kabara
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Sliman J Bensmaia
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Andrew B Schwartz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Systems Neuroscience Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michael L Boninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Robert A Gaunt
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. .,Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Touch uses frictional cues to discriminate flat materials. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25553. [PMID: 27149921 PMCID: PMC4858763 DOI: 10.1038/srep25553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In a forced-choice task, we asked human participants to discriminate by touch alone glass plates from transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastic plates. While the surfaces were flat and did not exhibit geometric features beyond a few tens of nanometres, the materials differed by their molecular structures. They produced similar coefficients of friction and thermal effects were controlled. Most participants performed well above chance and participants with dry fingers discriminated the materials especially well. Current models of tactile surface perception appeal to surface topography and cannot explain our results. A correlation analysis between detailed measurements of the interfacial forces and discrimination performance suggested that the perceptual task depended on the transitory contact phase leading to full slip. This result demonstrates that differences in interfacial mechanics between the finger and a material can be sensed by touch and that the evanescent mechanics that take place before the onset of steady slip have perceptual value.
Collapse
|
46
|
A Rapid Tactile-Motor Reflex Automatically Guides Reaching toward Handheld Objects. Curr Biol 2016; 26:788-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
47
|
Selectivity of stimulus induced responses in cultured hippocampal networks on microelectrode arrays. Cogn Neurodyn 2016; 10:287-99. [PMID: 27468317 PMCID: PMC4947052 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-016-9380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory information can be encoded using the average firing rate and spike occurrence times in neuronal network responses to external stimuli. Decoding or retrieving stimulus characteristics from the response pattern generally implies that the corresponding neural network has a selective response to various input signals. The role of various spiking activity characteristics (e.g., spike rate and precise spike timing) for basic information processing was widely investigated on the level of neural populations but gave inconsistent evidence for particular mechanisms. Multisite electrophysiology of cultured neural networks grown on microelectrode arrays is a recently developed tool and currently an active research area. In this study, we analyzed the stimulus responses represented by network-wide bursts evoked from various spatial locations (electrodes). We found that the response characteristics, such as the burst initiation time and the spike rate, can be used to retrieve information about the stimulus location. The best selectivity in the response spiking pattern could be found for a small subpopulation of neurones (electrodes) at relatively short post-stimulus intervals. Such intervals were unique for each culture due to the non-uniform organization of the functional connectivity in the network during spontaneous development.
Collapse
|
48
|
Anticipation in Object Manipulation: Behavioral and Neural Correlates. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 957:173-194. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-47313-0_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
49
|
Brown JD, Paek A, Syed M, O'Malley MK, Shewokis PA, Contreras-Vidal JL, Davis AJ, Gillespie RB. An exploration of grip force regulation with a low-impedance myoelectric prosthesis featuring referred haptic feedback. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2015; 12:104. [PMID: 26602538 PMCID: PMC4659194 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-015-0098-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haptic display technologies are well suited to relay proprioceptive, force, and contact cues from a prosthetic terminal device back to the residual limb and thereby reduce reliance on visual feedback. The ease with which an amputee interprets these haptic cues, however, likely depends on whether their dynamic signal behavior corresponds to expected behaviors—behaviors consonant with a natural limb coupled to the environment. A highly geared motor in a terminal device along with the associated high back-drive impedance influences dynamic interactions with the environment, creating effects not encountered with a natural limb. Here we explore grasp and lift performance with a backdrivable (low backdrive impedance) terminal device placed under proportional myoelectric position control that features referred haptic feedback. Methods We fabricated a back-drivable terminal device that could be used by amputees and non-amputees alike and drove aperture (or grip force, when a stiff object was in its grasp) in proportion to a myoelectric signal drawn from a single muscle site in the forearm. In randomly ordered trials, we assessed the performance of N=10 participants (7 non-amputee, 3 amputee) attempting to grasp and lift an object using the terminal device under three feedback conditions (no feedback, vibrotactile feedback, and joint torque feedback), and two object weights that were indiscernible by vision. Results Both non-amputee and amputee participants scaled their grip force according to the object weight. Our results showed only minor differences in grip force, grip/load force coordination, and slip as a function of sensory feedback condition, though the grip force at the point of lift-off for the heavier object was significantly greater for amputee participants in the presence of joint torque feedback. An examination of grip/load force phase plots revealed that our amputee participants used larger safety margins and demonstrated less coordination than our non-amputee participants. Conclusions Our results suggest that a backdrivable terminal device may hold advantages over non-backdrivable devices by allowing grip/load force coordination consistent with behaviors observed in the natural limb. Likewise, the inconclusive effect of referred haptic feedback on grasp and lift performance suggests the need for additional testing that includes adequate training for participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Brown
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Andrew Paek
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Mashaal Syed
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems (BIOMED), Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Marcia K O'Malley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Patricia A Shewokis
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems (BIOMED), Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Nutrition Sciences Department, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Department of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jose L Contreras-Vidal
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Alicia J Davis
- UM Orthotics and Prosthetics Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - R Brent Gillespie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Marneweck M, Knelange E, Lee-Miller T, Santello M, Gordon AM. Generalization of Dexterous Manipulation Is Sensitive to the Frame of Reference in Which It Is Learned. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138258. [PMID: 26376089 PMCID: PMC4573321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that internal representations of manipulations of objects with asymmetric mass distributions that are generated within a specific orientation are not generalizable to novel orientations, i.e., subjects fail to prevent object roll on their first grasp-lift attempt of the object following 180° object rotation. This suggests that representations of these manipulations are specific to the reference frame in which they are formed. However, it is unknown whether that reference frame is specific to the hand, the body, or both, because rotating the object 180° modifies the relation between object and body as well as object and hand. An alternative, untested explanation for the above failure to generalize learned manipulations is that any rotation will disrupt grasp performance, regardless if the reference frame in which the manipulation was learned is maintained or modified. We examined the effect of rotations that (1) maintain and (2) modify relations between object and body, and object and hand, on the generalizability of learned two-digit manipulation of an object with an asymmetric mass distribution. Following rotations that maintained the relation between object and body and object and hand (e.g., rotating the object and subject 180°), subjects continued to use appropriate digit placement and load force distributions, thus generating sufficient compensatory moments to minimize object roll. In contrast, following rotations that modified the relation between (1) object and hand (e.g. rotating the hand around to the opposite object side), (2) object and body (e.g. rotating subject and hand 180°), or (3) both (e.g. rotating the subject 180°), subjects used the same, yet inappropriate digit placement and load force distribution, as those used prior to the rotation. Consequently, the compensatory moments were insufficient to prevent large object rolls. These findings suggest that representations of learned manipulation of objects with asymmetric mass distributions are specific to the body- and hand-reference frames in which they were learned.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Marneweck
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Elisabeth Knelange
- MOVE Research Institute, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Trevor Lee-Miller
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Marco Santello
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Andrew M. Gordon
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|