Introduction of a sEMG Sensor System for Autonomous Use by Inexperienced Users

Abstract

Wearable devices play an increasing role in the rehabilitation of patients with movement disorders. Although information about muscular activation is highly interesting, no approach exists that allows reliable collection of this information when the sensor is applied autonomously by the patient. This paper aims to demonstrate the proof-of-principle of an innovative sEMG sensor system, which can be used intuitively by patients while detecting their muscular activation with sufficient accuracy. The sEMG sensor system utilizes a multichannel approach based on 16 sEMG leads arranged circularly around the limb. Its design enables a stable contact between the skin surface and the system’s dry electrodes, fulfills the SENIAM recommendations regarding the electrode size and inter-electrode distance and facilitates a high temporal resolution. The proof-of-principle was demonstrated by elbow flexion/extension movements of 10 subjects, proving that it has root mean square values and a signal-to-noise ratio comparable to commercial systems based on pre-gelled electrodes. Furthermore, it can be easily placed and removed by patients with reduced arm function and without detailed knowledge about the exact positioning of the sEMG electrodes. With its features, the demonstration of the sEMG sensor system’s proof-of-principle positions it as a wearable device that has the potential to monitor muscular activation in home and community settings.

Applications of wearable sensors in upper extremity MSK conditions: a scoping review

“…They can operate in wireless setting and without causing notable disturbance in comparison to sEMG sensors. In this scoping review, only two of the studies have proposed a convenient wearable platform for positioning and utilizing sEMG signals [96,97]. Other studies merely attached the electrodes with straps or adhesive tapes.…”

“…Another novel approach has exploited electromagnetic sensing abilities and electromagnetic coils to detect biomechanical motion of joints through electromagnetic impedance [95]. Two studies have utilized sEMG recording electrodes in their general wearable system designs [96,97]. The related details of wearable sensors, including the utilized number, type, model, and provider of sensors, are included in the "Sensor type and number" column of Table 3.…”

“…The number of studies indicating home-based functionality or assessment of comfortability of their proposed designs is significantly lower than the two previous sections. Only one study has claimed that their platform has a home-based functional ability [96], and only one study has focused on assessing their system's comfortability [98]. This can be related to the fact that most of these studies have only considered the general assessment aspect of their platform (n = 16), and these features are of more significant concern in more focused research and areas.…”

“…3, all categories' sensor placement locations and the number of utilized upper limb segments in wearable sensor systems of studies have been demonstrated to compare each category (Shoulder/Upper arm, Elbow/Forearm/Forearm/Forearm/Wrist, and Hand/Finger). These systems may place the sensors on multiple segments of the upper limb [28,67,96]. Thus, all the segments included in each study have been counted separately in corresponding figures (for instance, if the sensors were placed on the forearm and upper arm, both segments were included in the corresponding figures).…”

The Conceptual Design of a Smart Wrist Orthosis and Functional Performance - Project Overview

“…It indicates the possibility of connecting wireless protocols in connecting the sensors to mobile devices. Avila et al [10] presented a development concept of a device that can activate individual muscles for the rehabilitation purpose aimed for home use. Another possible application of sensors and devices can be found in the rehabilitation of the patient after heart attack.…”