I-Spin live, an open-source software based on blind-source separation for real-time decoding of motor unit activity in humans

Julien Rossato ¹, François Hug ^2,3, Kylie Tucker ³

⁰Nantes Université, Laboratory "Movement, Interactions, Performance" (UR 4334), Nantes, France.

Elife +

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October 2, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study introduces open-source software for real-time decoding of motor neuron activity from electromyographic (EMG) signals, enabling new insights into movement control and neuro-feedback applications.

Area Of Science

Neuroscience
Biomedical Engineering
Signal Processing

Background

Understanding neural control of movement is crucial for neuroscience.
Non-invasive decoding of spinal motor neuron activity is possible via electromyographic (EMG) signal decomposition.
Real-time EMG decomposition is essential for advanced neuro-feedback and brain-computer interfaces.

Purpose Of The Study

To introduce an open-source software for real-time decoding of motor neuron firing activity from multichannel EMG signals.
To provide a validated framework for researchers studying movement control at the motor neuron level.
To enable real-time visual feedback of motor neuron activity for experimental paradigms.

Main Methods

Developed and implemented an open-source software utilizing a blind-source separation approach for EMG signal processing.
Optimized separation vectors (motor unit filters) from baseline contractions and applied them in real-time.
Validated the software using synthetic EMG signals and experimental data from lower limb muscles (gastrocnemius, vastus, tibialis anterior) using surface and intramuscular electrodes.

Main Results

The software successfully performs real-time decoding of motor unit firing activities from EMG signals.
Validation with synthetic and real-world EMG data demonstrated the software's capability across various contraction patterns and intensities.
Assessed the impact of muscle type and contraction intensity variations on the accuracy of real-time decomposition.

Conclusions

The developed open-source software offers a practical tool for neuroscientists to investigate movement control.
Enables real-time feedback on spinal cord circuit output, facilitating novel experimental designs.
Advances the field of non-invasive motor neuron activity decoding for research and potential clinical applications.

Keywords:

decomposition electromyography human motor unit neural decoding neuroscience