Guided Training with Visual Feedback can Improve Direct Electromyography Control of Prosthetic Ankles and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Direct electromyography (EMG) control offers intuitive prosthetic ankle function for people with amputation (PWA).
• Effective EMG control is crucial for performing daily activities like sit-to-stand (S2S).
• Residual muscle activation limitations can hinder direct EMG control in PWA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of physical therapy with visual feedback for improving EMG-controlled prosthetic ankle function.
• To assess the retention of improved muscle activation and movement quality after training cessation.

Main Methods:

• A single transtibial amputee underwent four physical therapy sessions with visual EMG feedback during sit-to-stand tasks.
• EMG data from residual dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscles were recorded.
• Performance was evaluated during training and in a retention test two weeks post-training, without feedback.

Main Results:

• Residual EMG activation patterns during S2S tasks progressively resembled those of the intact limb.
• Improved EMG activation was retained when visual feedback was removed.
• Sit-to-stand movements exhibited reduced jerk (smoother motion) during the retention session compared to initial training.

Conclusions:

• Physical therapy incorporating visual EMG feedback is a promising approach to enhance prosthetic ankle control in PWA.
• This training strategy can improve functional performance in activities of daily living.
• Learned control strategies are retained, suggesting long-term benefits for PWA using EMG-controlled prostheses.