Clinical Research Directory

Virtual Reality Assessment of Control Interfaces for the Use a Neuroprosthesis in Individuals With Tetraplegia

Sponsor: Centre Bouffard Vercelli - USSAP

Summary

With a view to implanting a neuroprosthesis for the upper limb in individuals with complete tetraplegia, this study aims to validate virtual reality as a simulation tool for evaluating and optimizing the piloting interfaces of these type of assistive devices. The operating principle of the device we are interested in is to provide a set of predefined functional electrical stimulation (FES) configurations that activate specific hand movements (hand opening, palmar grasp, key grip, etc.), from which the user selects the one that is suitable for performing a task. The user control is usually based on commands from the contralateral limb (pressing a button, shoulder movement, or voluntary muscle contractions). These stereotypical and unintuitive commands hinder any possibility of bimanual tasks. Hands-free voice interfaces have been tested but have contextual limitations, particularly in terms of discretion or usability for certain activities such as eating. Furthermore, it is difficult to evaluate the performance of control interfaces and adjust them prior to the implantation of the stimulation neuroprosthesis. The aim of the I-GRIP project is to establish a methodology that is sufficiently realistic to enable people to envision their future use of a neuroprosthesis. Such a tool would also enable future candidates for implantation to better understand the device's potential. This approach would also make it possible to customize the technology prior to implantation (choice and adjustment of control interfaces, training, configuration of algorithms for analyzing movements evoked by stimulation, etc.). Our main hypothesis is that two control interfaces (HMI1 and HMI2) will allow the user to control the completion of a grasping task (approach, grasp, hold) for each target object in the virtual environment simulating electrical stimulation of the forearm muscles.

Official title: Relevance of Virtual Reality Assessment of Control Interfaces for a Neuroprosthesis That Stimulates the Upper Limbs of Quadriplegic Individuals

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