The development of a prototype device for motorsensory activation studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging

The complete system consists of a pair of PC-controlled pneumatically driven, MRI-compatible hand modules, an electropneumatic interface box, and a PC. The device provides experimenter-selectable, subject-independent, temporally accurate, robust stimulation to fingers and thumbs. The device should find applications in studying the motorsensory functions of patients whose motor skills are compromised, and in presurgical planning of patients with lesion(s) in the motor area. The device will also be useful in fMRI pulse sequence development by providing motorsensory stimulation repeatable across study sessions, subjects, and in MR pulse sequences under comparison.