MyoGestic: EMG interfacing framework for decoding multiple spared motor dimensions in individuals with neural lesions

Simpetru R, Braun D, Simon A, März M, Cnejevici V, Souza de Oliveira D, Weber N, Walter J, Franke J, Höglinger D, Prahm C, Ponfick M, Del Vecchio A (2025)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Science Advances American Association for the Advancement of Science

Book Volume: 11

Journal Issue: 15

URI: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads9150

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads9150

Open Access Link: https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/sciadv.ads9150

Abstract

Restoring motor function in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), strokes, or amputations is a crucial challenge. Recent studies show that spared motor neurons can still be voluntarily controlled using surface electromyography (EMG), even without visible movement. To harness these signals, we developed a wireless, high-density EMG bracelet and a software framework, MyoGestic. Our system enables rapid adaptation of machine learning models to users’ needs, allowing real-time decoding of spared motor dimensions. In our study, we successfully decoded motor intent from two participants with traumatic SCI, two with spinal stroke, and three with amputations in real time, achieving multiple controllable motor dimensions within minutes. The decoded neural signals could control a digitally rendered hand, an orthosis, a prosthesis, or a two-dimensional cursor. MyoGestic’s participant-centered approach allows a collaborative and iterative development of myocontrol algorithms, bridging the gap between researcher and participant, to advance intuitive EMG interfaces for neural lesions.

Authors with CRIS profile

Raul Simpetru Professur für Neuromuscular Physiology and Neural Interfacing Dominik Braun Professur für Neuromuscular Physiology and Neural Interfacing Vlad Cnejevici Professur für Neuromuscular Physiology and Neural Interfacing Daniela Souza de Oliveira Professur für Neuromuscular Physiology and Neural Interfacing Nico Weber Lehrstuhl für Fertigungsautomatisierung und Produktionssystematik (FAPS) Jonas Walter Lehrstuhl für Fertigungsautomatisierung und Produktionssystematik (FAPS) Jörg Franke Lehrstuhl für Fertigungsautomatisierung und Produktionssystematik (FAPS) Alessandro Del Vecchio Professur für Neuromuscular Physiology and Neural Interfacing

Related research project(s)

Development of an innovative neurobandage with an integrated brain-computer interface for testing hand function (NeurOne) Oct. 1, 2023 - Oct. 31, 2026 Restoring hand function with neuromuscular restrictions using an intelligent neuroorthosis (GraspAgain) Dec. 1, 2023 - May 31, 2026 Teilvorhaben: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (MYOREHAB) Entwicklung und Kontroller personalisierter Neurorehabilitation für die Hand durch virtuelles Feedbackgesteuert durch neuronale Signale May 1, 2023 - April 4, 2026

Involved external institutions

Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Tübingen (BGU) DE Germany (DE) Krankenhaus Rummelsberg DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Simpetru, R., Braun, D., Simon, A., März, M., Cnejevici, V., Souza de Oliveira, D.,... Del Vecchio, A. (2025). MyoGestic: EMG interfacing framework for decoding multiple spared motor dimensions in individuals with neural lesions. Science Advances, 11(15). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ads9150

MLA:

Simpetru, Raul, et al. "MyoGestic: EMG interfacing framework for decoding multiple spared motor dimensions in individuals with neural lesions." Science Advances 11.15 (2025).

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