Myoelectric Prosthetics respond to electrical signals generated by muscular movement. We know that neurons in the body use a combination of electrical and chemical signals to transfer message (Click here for more information on how neurons work).

So how does it work?

Myoelectric prosthetics attach onto the residual limb of the body part they are replacing.

Multiple Sensors are fitted inside the prosthetic socket, which receive an electrical signal when a specific muscle is contracted.

Once a specific muscle is stimulate, the sensors pick up the electrical signal between the neurons. This in tern send a message to the prosthetic limb, telling the joints to move into specific positions.

Individuals can control the strength and speed of prosthetic movement by varying their muscle intensity.

If an individual has nerve damage to the area, or no arm at all, the prosthetic sensors can be linked to muscles in the chest and back.

Meaning the can control arm movement from the muscles in their chest or back.

As you can see from the video to the left, Myoelectric prosthetics can be very versatile.

If you are lucky enough to have your limb surgically removed and no neurons are damaged, your prosthetic limb may function much more naturally and intuitively.

Although your limb has gone, your brain doesn't realise and the remaining neurons still receive neurons from the brain telling the phantom limb to move.

Target muscle reinnervation (TMR) redirects those neurons, and attaches them to healthy muscles.

For example, imagine if you have to have your arm amputated. Neurons that would normally carry signals to your arm, are redirected and attached to muscles in on the chest.

Sensors from the prosthetic are then attached to these neurons on the chest. Every time you think about moving your arm, your chest will contract, and the prosthetic will move in the way you would expect your arm too.

This means you don’t have to re-train your self by engaging specific muscles, to prompt movement of an unrelated prosthesis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qUPnnROxvY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj97vQ40mBc

The video to the left shows how surgeons re-wire  neurons and connect them to different muscles throughout the body.