Cognitive Adaptation and Cortical Connectivity Alterations during Daily Tasks with Supernumerary Robotic Finger Assistance

Abstract

In light of the increasing incidence of upper-limb motor disorders, especially following strokes, there is a growing focus on developing assistive technologies to improve patient independence. This study investigated the effect of using a supernumerary robotic finger (SRF) on cortical functional connectivity during daily activities. SRFs have shown potential in overcoming grasping difficulties by employing adaptive strategies for manipulating various objects. To evaluate the neural responses to SRFs, neuroimaging methods such as fMRI and EEG were utilized. This research introduced a novel method by analyzing cortical functional connectivity through EEG sub-band analysis of the beta-band using Phase Locking Value (PLV) during simple daily tasks. The findings reveal task-specific changes in cognitive processing associated with SRF use. These results highlight the complex interaction between external assistive devices and shifts in cortical functional connectivity, offering important insights for developing more effective assistive technologies.

Keywords: Supernumerary robotic finger, Phase locking value, Functional connectivity, EEG.