This thesis presents a novel neuro-fuzzy modeling approach for grasp neuroprostheses. At first
it offers a detailed study of discomfort due to the application of Functional Electrical
Stimulation to the upper limb. Then it discusses briefly previous methods to model hand
movements induced by FES with the purpose of introducing the new modeling approach based on
intelligent systems. This approach is thoroughly described in the book together with the
proposed application to induce hand and finger movements by means of a surface FES system based
on multi-field electrodes. The validation tests carried out on both healthy and neurologically
impaired subjects demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed modeling method. All in all the
book proposes an innovative system based on fuzzy neural networks that is expected to improve
the design and validation of advanced control systems for non-invasive grasp neuroprostheses.
