Man-Machine Interface System for Neuromuscular Training and Evaluation Based on EMG and MMG Signals

Abstract

This paper presents the UVa-NTS (University of Valladolid Neuromuscular Training System), a multifunction and portable Neuromuscular Training System. The UVa-NTS is designed to analyze the voluntary control of severe neuromotor handicapped patients, their interactive response, and their adaptation to neuromuscular interface systems, such as neural prostheses or domotic applications. Thus, it is an excellent tool to evaluate the residual muscle capabilities in the handicapped. The UVa-NTS is composed of a custom signal conditioning front-end and a computer. The front-end electronics is described thoroughly as well as the overall features of the custom software implementation. The software system is composed of a set of graphical training tools and a processing core. The UVa-NTS works with two classes of neuromuscular signals: the classic myoelectric signals (MES) and, as a novelty, the myomechanic signals (MMS). In order to evaluate the performance of the processing core, a complete analysis has been done to classify its efficiency and to check that it fulfils with the real-time constraints. Tests were performed both with healthy and selected impaired subjects. The adaptation was achieved rapidly, applying a predefined protocol for the UVa-NTS set of training tools. Fine voluntary control was demonstrated to be reached with the myoelectric signals. And the UVa-NTS demonstrated to provide a satisfactory voluntary control when applying the myomechanic signals.

A Control System for Robots and Wheelchairs: Its Application for People with Severe Motor Disability

“…In this way, it would not be necessary to use the glasses structure interface for signal acquisition, simply, attaching surface electrodes to the skin and an acquisition and processing system, the signal could be obtained and discriminate voluntary winks from other involuntary actions. This research group has a high degree of experience in this kind of signals and also has its own neuromuscular training platform UVa-NTS (de la Rosa et al, 2010). This system utilises an amplification and conditioning module (see Figure 6).…”

Myoelectric Gaming in the Rehabilitation of Patients with C7 Spinal Cord Injury

“…Aimed at merging these strategies and creating a measurement protocol to assess rehabilitation improvement, we designed the UVa-NTS platform [8]. This platform is a human-machine interface that makes real-time EMG signal processing, in order to command a set of interactive rehabilitation applications in a computer.…”

Robust myoelectric signal detection based on stochastic resonance using multiple-surface-electrode array made of carbon nanotube composite paper

“…For user-friendly MMIs achieving intuitive machine control, detection and use of surface electromyogram (EMG) signals have attracted much attention. [1][2][3] EMG signals are trains of voltage pulses generated by the activity of muscles and it includes information of the motion of the human body. [4][5][6][7][8] Surface EMG signals, which can be taken noninvasively, are necessary for MMI applications.…”