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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
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An Emerging Target Paradigm to Evoke Fast Visuomotor Responses on Human Upper Limb Muscles
Published on: August 25, 2020
Two-dimensional cursor-to-target control from single muscle site sEMG signals
Claudia Perez-Maldonado1, Anthony S Wexler, Sanjay S Joshi
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Summary
This study demonstrates that surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals from one muscle can control a computer cursor. Four subjects successfully manipulated cursor position for human-machine interfaces and assistive technologies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals offer a non-invasive method for human-machine interfaces.
- Controlling complex movements with sEMG typically requires signals from multiple muscle sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of controlling a two-dimensional computer cursor using sEMG from a single muscle site.
- To explore the potential of sEMG-based control for assistive technologies.
Main Methods:
- sEMG signals were acquired from a single facial muscle site in four able-bodied subjects.
- Cursor control in X and Y coordinates was achieved by manipulating power within two distinct sEMG frequency bands.
- Subjects underwent visual feedback training to learn cursor control.
Main Results:
- All four subjects successfully learned to simultaneously control both X and Y cursor positions.
- Subjects could accurately and consistently hit targets on a computer screen.
- The success of the control method was dependent on specific sEMG frequency bandwidths and their midpoints.
Conclusions:
- Single-site sEMG control of a two-dimensional cursor is achievable.
- This method shows promise for developing advanced human-machine interfaces and assistive technologies.
- Further research into optimizing sEMG frequency band selection is warranted.
