EMG-to-force modeling for multiple fingers

Abstract

Fig. 1. Photograph of hand/arm secured into finger restraint. Velcro strap is wrapped around one finger (not visible) to secure it to the load cell. Gloved hand is held to the restraint upright using Velcro. Electrode arrays are mounted over the medial (flexion array-not visible) and lateral (extension array) aspects of forearm. Abstract-We provide a preliminary report on work to relate the EMG activity from forearm flexors and extensors to the flexionextension forces generated at the finger tips during constantposture, slowly force-varying contractions. EMG electrode arrays (up to 64 channels) were applied over the flexor and, separately, extensor musculature of the forearm. Spatial filters were used to create derived EMG channels that were then related to finger tip force (via least squares models). Preliminary results identify the "pinky" finger as having the most independent EMG-force control, with moderate control available from some combinations of the other fingers. EMG-to-Force Modeling for Multiple Fingers