This paper describes two novel proportional control algorithms for use with pattern recognition-based myoelectric control. The systems were designed to provide automatic configuration of motion-specific gains and to normalize the control space to the user's usable dynamic range. Class-specific normalization parameters were calculated using data collected during classifier training and require no additional user action or configuration. The new control schemes were compared to the standard method of deriving proportional control using a one degree of freedom Fitts' law test for each of the wrist flexion/extension, wrist pronation/supination and hand close/open degrees of freedom. Performance was evaluated using the Fitts' law throughput value as well as more descriptive metrics including path efficiency, overshoot, stopping distance and completion rate. The proposed normalization methods significantly outperformed the incumbent method in every performance category for able bodied subjects (p < 0.001) and nearly every category for amputee subjects. Furthermore, one proposed method significantly outperformed both other methods in throughput (p < 0.0001), yielding 21% and 40% improvement over the incumbent method for amputee and able bodied subjects, respectively. The proposed control schemes represent a computationally simple method of fundamentally improving myoelectric control users' ability to elicit robust, and controlled, proportional velocity commands.
The bilateral limb deficit (BLD) describes the difference in maximal or near maximal force generating capacity of muscles when they are contracted alone or in combination with the contralateral muscles. A deficit occurs when the summed unilateral force is greater than the bilateral force. This study examined the presence of the BLD during isokinetic knee extensions and flexions in a group of adolescent females (n=8, mean of 15+/-1 years) and compared with previously reported data by this researcher of adult and older females. Data were collected from subjects during slow (45 deg/s) isokinetic knee extensions and flexions and it was found that a BLD exists during both extension and flexion regardless of age. Furthermore, this study is the first to examine the presence of the deficit in an adolescent population. Myoelectric signal (MES) data showed that there is no difference between bilateral and unilateral isokinetic knee extensions and flexions regardless of age group.
The bilateral limb deficit (BLD) describes the difference in maximal or near maximal force generating capacity of muscles when they are contracted alone or in combination with the contralateral muscles. A deficit occurs when the summed unilateral force is greater than the bilateral force. This study examined the presence of the BLD during submaximal (25, 50, 75% of MVC) and maximal (100% MVC) isometric knee extensions in a group of young, athletic males (n = 6, mean age of 22 +/- 3 years, mean height = 177.7 +/- 6.4 cm, mean weight = 72.4 +/- 5.2 kg). Torque and myoelectric signal (MES) data were collected from three superficial muscles of the quadriceps (vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris) during submaximal and maximal isometric knee extensions and it was found that a similar BLD exists using either torque or MES data. MES data showed that there were differences between bilateral and the total unilateral isometric knee extension regardless of percent contraction. This suggests that the BLD may be due to neural mechanisms and that future studies should examine the relationship between torque and the corresponding MES activity.
The bilateral limb deficit (BLD) describes the difference in maximal or near-maximal force generating capacity of muscles when they are contracted alone and in combination with the contralateral muscles. This study examined the effects of a 6-week (three times per week) bilateral leg strength training programme on BLD in younger and older adults. Data were collected from 33 subjects during slow (45 degrees /s) isokinetic knee extensions and flexions before and after the training programme. After training, the BLD was reduced for extension (73.3-86.9%; P < 0.001) but not for flexion (67.5-71.2%; P = 0.13) regardless of age and gender. This study suggests that difficulty in recruiting all muscle units during a task involving bilateral activation can be improved by training, although such an effect appears to depend on the muscle group appreciated.
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