In a promising advance that could transform the field of neuroprosthetics, researchers have reached… Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I have developed a Innovative technology To improve andMuscle control and reduce fatigue. Traditionally, nervous systems It relied on electrical stimulation To induce muscle contraction in people with paralysis or amputation.
However, this methodology has been limited by rapid muscle fatigue and the poor control it provides. Instead of using electricity, the MIT team discovered using light to stimulate musclesThis is done using a technique known as Optogenetics.
This method includes Genetic modification of cells To express light-sensitive proteins, allowing researchers to control cellular activity through exposure to light.
“By using light through optogenetics, it is possible to control muscles in a more natural way,” said Hugh Herr, professor of media arts and sciences, co-director of the K. Lisa Young Center for Electronics at MIT, and an associate member of the McGovern Institute of Technology. Clinically, this interface could have very broad utility.”
in study Recently performed on mice, Researchers have proven that optogenetic stimulation allows for more precise muscle control and significantly reduces fatigue.
They used genetically modified mice to express a light-sensitive protein called… Channelrhodopsin-2Scientists implanted a small light source near the tibial nerve that controls the muscles of the lower leg.
As the optical stimulation was gradually increased, they observed that muscle contraction increased steadily and progressively, a result that contrasts with conventional functional electrical stimulation (FES).
he Visual control It not only provides better control precision, but also more closely mimics the human body’s natural muscle recruitment process.
The MIT team also created a mathematical model to correlate the amount of light input into the system with the muscle force generated. This paradigm allowed us to design a closed-loop controller that adjusts light stimulation based on the force exerted by the muscle, prolonging muscle stimulation for over an hour before fatigue occurs. In comparison, muscles stimulated by FES tire after only 15 minutes.
Potential clinical applications
Massachusetts Institute of Technology research Optogenetics Not only does it represent a technological advancement, but it also represents renewed hope for people suffering from this problem Paralysis, amputation, and other conditions that affect muscle control. The new approach could offer solutions that are less invasive and more efficient than current technologies, opening the door to a wide range of clinical applications.
For people who suffer from paralysis also AmputationsThe ability to control muscles in a precise and sustained manner is crucial. Current prosthetics based on electrical stimulation often cause rapid muscle fatigue and inconsistent control.
Optogenetic method developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology It promises a more natural and gradual stimulation, similar to how the brain controls muscles. This could mean a significant improvement in patients’ quality of life, allowing them to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and accuracy.
the border It is one of the main causes of motor disability in adults. Rehabilitation of damaged muscles is a long and challenging process. the Optogenetics can offer a more effective alternative for functional recovery, Providing a tool to re-educate muscles and restore voluntary movement.
The ability to adjust stimulation in real time, based on muscle response, allows for a personalized and adaptable approach for each patient.
the Spinal cord injuries They present unique challenges due to disruption of nerve signals between the brain and muscles. in this meaning, Optogenetic technology can overcome some of these obstacles by providing a direct means of muscle stimulation Without the need for proper nerve signals.
In addition to the conditions mentioned, optogenetics has the potential to benefit people with a variety of diseases Movement disordersSuch as dystonia and spasticity, which leads to involuntary muscle contractions, experts said. By allowing better control and less muscle fatigue, this technique can help relieve symptoms and improve motor function in these patients.
The MIT team is designing new light-sensitive proteins and delivery strategies that reduce immune responses. next to, She is developing new sensors and methods to implant light sources needed for optogenetic stimulation. These advances are crucial in moving this technology from animal studies to human clinical applications.
Hope for the future
If researchers in K. Lisa Yang Electronics Center They succeed in overcoming these challenges, Optogenetics could become a transformative tool in muscle rehabilitation and control. The ability to control muscles in a precise and sustained manner, with minimal fatigue, can be a game-changer for many people who struggle with mobility and muscle control due to various medical conditions.
“This could lead to a minimally invasive strategy that would be a game-changer for the clinical care of people with limb diseases,” the researchers concluded.
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