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Published on: July 15, 2009
Integration of surface electromyographic sensors with the transfemoral amputee socket: a comparison of four differing
Gerald M Hefferman1, Fan Zhang2, Michael J Nunnery3
1Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, USA.
Background And Aim:
In recent years, there has been an increased interest in recording high-quality electromyographic signals from within the sockets of lower-limb amputees. However, successful recording presents major challenges to both researchers and clinicians. This article details and compares four prototypical integrated socket-sensor designs used to record electromyographic signals from within the sockets of transfemoral amputees.
Technique:
Four prototypical socket-sensor configurations were constructed and tested on a single transfemoral amputee asked to perform sitting/standing, stair ascent/descent, and level ground walking. The number of large-amplitude motion artifacts generated using each prototype was quantified, the amount of skin irritation documented, and the comfort level of each assembly subjectively assessed by the amputee subject.
Discussion:
Of the four configurations tested, the combination of a suction socket with integrated wireless surface electrodes generated the lowest number of large-amplitude motion artifacts, the least visible skin irritation, and was judged to be most comfortable by the amputee subject.
Clinical Relevance:
The collection of high-quality electromyographic signals from an amputee's residual limb while maximizing patient comfort holds substantial potential to enhance neuromuscular clinical assessment and as a method of intuitive control of powered lower-limb prostheses.
