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Operator performance in myoelectric control of a multifunction prosthesis stimulator
T L Daley1, R N Scott, P A Parker
1Bio-Engineering Institute, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada.
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study introduces a microcomputer system for evaluating myoelectric control strategies in prosthetics. It simulates limb dynamics and measures performance, aiding the development of better prosthetic control systems.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Myoelectric control strategies are crucial for prosthetic limb functionality.
- Evaluating these strategies requires standardized and reproducible methods.
- Existing evaluation methods may lack flexibility and comprehensive performance metrics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a microcomputer-based system for evaluating myoelectric control strategies.
- To simulate prosthetic elbow, hand, and forearm dynamics for realistic testing.
- To provide a platform for comparing different control strategies under identical conditions.
Main Methods:
- An IBM-PC/AT microcomputer system was developed to generate targets, process operator input, and compute performance.
- Software simulation of prosthetic limb dynamics drove a stick figure response.
- Integral absolute error was used as the primary performance metric.
Main Results:
- Four myoelectric control strategies were evaluated using the developed system.
- Data were collected from normally-limbed subjects over multiple sessions.
- The system demonstrated its utility in comparing control strategy effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- The microcomputer-based system effectively facilitates the evaluation of myoelectric control strategies.
- The system allows for software modification of control strategies for easy adaptation.
- Identical testing conditions ensure reliable comparative data for prosthetic development.