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SUMMARY:FES neuroprosthesis for the restoration of grasp function in a mon
 key model of spinal cord injury
DTSTART:20140603T090000
DTEND:20140603T100000
DTSTAMP:20260919T052636Z
UID:8143958eeb393133e0b5610f4b2175793dfadebbeb029603a5218e77
CATEGORIES:Conferences - Seminars
DESCRIPTION:Dr Christian Ethier\, Northwestern University\, Chicago USA.\n
 We have developed a neuroprosthesis that allows monkey subjects to pick up
  and move objects despite a peripheral nerve block causing complete paraly
 sis of the flexor muscles below the elbow. The restored voluntary movement
  was achieved using signals recorded from approximately 100 neurons in the
  primary motor cortex to control electrical stimulation of the paralyzed m
 uscles. After nerve block\, the monkeys were able to use the neuroprosthes
 is to perform a functional grasping task with a success rate approaching t
 heir normal performance\, whereas they were essentially unable to complete
  this task without assistance. We are now investigating adaptive decoders 
 to facilitate the implementation and improve the performance of this neuro
 prosthetic system in chronically paralyzed subjects. In human spinal cord 
 injured patients\, such a system could provide natural control of arm and 
 hand movements through normal cognitive processes\, and greatly enhance th
 e patients' independence and overall well-being.\nBio:\nI completed both m
 y graduate and undergraduate studies at Laval University\, in Québec City
 \, Canada. After a degree in electrical engineering\, I joined the Neurobi
 ology program\, to study the functional and anatomical organization of the
  motor cortex in the cat with Dr. Charles Capaday. I obtained my Ph.D. in 
 December 2007\, and then joined Dr. Lee E. Miller’s laboratory at Northw
 estern University to develop a brain-machine interface for the restoration
  of grasp function in a primate model of spinal cord injury. My general re
 search interests are the organization and functions of the motor system an
 d the development of neuroprosthetic applications not only for the restora
 tion of function\, but also for their potential to induce neural plasticit
 y and motor recovery following lesions to the nervous system.
LOCATION:SV1717a
STATUS:CONFIRMED
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