Assessment of input-output properties and control of neuroprosthetic hand grasp

A description of three tests which have been developed to evaluate rapidly and quantitatively the input-output properties and patient control of a neuroprosthetic hand grasp is presented. Each test utilizes a visual pursuit tracking task during which the subject controls the grasp force and grasp opening (position) of the hand. The tests provide a rapid evaluation of both the system and the user. They provide information to (1) help interpret subject performance of functional tasks, (2) evaluate the efficacy of system features such as closed-loop control, and (3) screen the neuroprosthesis to indicate the need for retuning.