Neural Engineering Center for Artificial Limbs (NECAL)

The Neural Engineering Center for Artificial Limbs (NECAL) is a research program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) based on over 20 years of research. The goal of NECAL is to improve function and quality of life for people who have suffered limb loss.

Currently, individuals who have undergone amputation are only able to operate one motion at a time with myoelectric prostheses. The NECAL laboratory is currently experimenting with the use of "targeted reinnervation" to improve myoelectric prosthesis function. With this technique, amputated nerves are transferred to spare muscle and skin in an amputee's residual limb. The nerves grow into the muscle to provide additional control signals for the operation of a prosthesis. This allows patients to control multiple functions in their prosthesis at the same time in an easier, more natural manner.

“Sensory reinnervation” also takes place following the targeted reinnervation procedure; the patient feels touch to the reinnervated skin as being applied to their missing limb. This may allow the amputee to actually "feel" what they are touching with a prosthetic hand. Through these studies, NECAL is working to develop a state-of-the-art prosthesis that includes shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand components, as well as haptic interfaces to provide the sense of touch. 

More videos:

• Shoulder Disarticulation Subject: Conventional vs. Targeted Reinnervation Control (opens new window)    
• Above Elbow Subject: Conventional vs Targeted Reinnervation Control (opens new window)    
• Targeted Reinnervation Effect on Chest Muscle Movement (opens new window)   

For more specific questions about this research, visit the RIC Bionic Arm Press Kit or e-mail us.