Evaluation of cognitive workload using EEG : Investigation of how sensory feedback improves function of osseo-neuromuscular upper limb prostheses

Abstract: The e-OPRA Implant System (Integrum AB, Sweden) is a system which employs permanently accessible implantable neuromuscular electrodes in combination with osseointegrated attachment of the prosthesis to the skeleton, in order to create a more natural control of advanced robotic upper-limb prostheses. The system enables the possibility of sensory feedback, via a cuff electrode to the ulnar nerve which allows for direct neurostimulation of the nerve. This work proposes a method using electroencephalography (EEG) to quantitatively evaluate the cognitive workload of a person controlling a prosthesis, and how said workload changes when sensory feedback is enabled. Based on previous studies on EEG and cognitive workload, the proposed methods include collecting EEG data from subjects who are performing a grasping task while listening to a selection of sounds and counting the number of times a specific tone is presented. The data is analysed using both event related potentials (ERPs) as well as spectral analysis. The method was used in a trial run consisting of two healthy subjects, and one transhumeral amputee implanted with the e-OPRA system. Although the subject group was not large enough to draw any statistical conclusions, the trial run and the results from it suggest that the methods could be used in a larger study to evaluate the cognitive workload of amputees implanted with the e-OPRA system.