Evaluation of the brain function for the myoelectric hand prosthesis with tacit learning system

Abstract

We developed a myoelectric hand prosthesis equipped with the tacit learning system (TLS) to auto-regulate forearm rotation in response to upper extremity movement patterns. We evaluated the tacit learning effects on the central nervous system during a prosthesis control exercise. The experienced prosthetic user performed a series of simple mechanical tasks with the system inactivated (the baseline, normal condition) and then with it activated (the enhanced, experimental condition). The process was video recorded. Video 1 documents the ordinary TLS-inactive condition while Video 2 documents the TLS-active condition. Subsequently, the participant viewed each video under experimental conditions during magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography recording. The connections between the motor area and the other cortical areas were observed with a significant increase in the coherence value. Results suggest integration and interoperability as the process undergirding tacit learning promotes motor function related adaptive neuroplasticity.