Intramuscular EMG For Abstract Myoelectric Control: A Proof Of Concept Study

Myoelectric prostheses are commonly controlled by surface EMG. Many control algorithms, including the user learning-based control paradigm abstract control, benefit from independent control signals. Measuring at the surface of the skin reduces the signal independence through cross talk. To increase the number of independent signals, intramuscular EMG recordings might be a viable alternative for myoelectric control. This proof of concept study investigated if real time abstract myoelectric control is possible with intramuscular measurements. Six participants performed a 4-target and 12-target abstract control task with both surface and intramuscular EMG recordings. The results suggest that intramuscular EMG is suitable for abstract control, and that performance could be increased in the future by stabilizing the amplitude of the processed intramuscular EMG signal.