Bioconverter for upper extremity rehabilitation

The bioconverter is a simple instrument which uses the output of the Basmajian-Emory myotrainer to activate electrical devices, such as radios, television, etc. It can be used to assist in training by providing an acceptable and/or pleasurable stimulus (such as a radio) as muscle activation improves. The myotrainer contains adjustable sensitivity circuits, and the bioconverter has a pre-set holding circuit of 2, 4, or 6 seconds duration. A case of a deaf and blind patient is presented where the bioconverter is used to activate other sensory (skin) stimuli rather than audio-visual ones. The bioconverter can also be used in relaxation training. In this mode of operation the controlled equipment is on when no EMG is present and is turned off when too high an EMG level exists.