Prosthetic Myoelectric Control Strategies: A Clinical Perspective

Abstract

Control algorithms for upper limb myoelectric prostheses have been in development since the mid-1940s. Despite advances in computing power and in the performance of these algorithms, clinically available prostheses are still based on the earliest control strategies. The aim of this review paper is to detail the development, advantages and disadvantages of prosthetic control systems and to highlight areas that are current barriers for the transition from laboratory to clinical practice. Current surgical strategies and future research directions to achieve multifunctional control will also be discussed. The findings from this review suggest that regression algorithms may offer an alternative feed-forward approach to direct and pattern recognition control, while virtual rehabilitation environments and tactile feedback could improve the overall prosthetic control.

A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study

“…6 The complexity of these control systems increases substantially to provide more functions for amputees. To ensure accurate control of these systems, and to reduce abandonment of new technologies, adequate training needs to be established.…”

Prothetische Rekonstruktion der oberen Extremität

“…Unabhängig von der Signalextraktion wird die Verarbeitung der verschiedenen Muskelsignale mittels Mustererkennung eine noch intuitivere Prothesensteuerung ermöglichen, welche zusätzlich durch simple Feedbackmechanismen verfeinert werden wird [5,13].…”

“…Die größten Fortschritte der letzten Jahre betrafen allerdings die Steuerungsmöglichkeiten und somit die Schnittstelle Mensch-Maschine [1,13,14].…”

Robustness and Reliability of Synergy-Based Myocontrol of a Multiple Degree of Freedom Robotic Arm

“…Therefore, the unnatural discrete non-proportional control scheme achieved by the pattern classification approach results in the lack of a successful clinical application of this technique. Nowadays, robust continuous proportional and simultaneous myoelectric control, in which multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs) can be controlled at the same time via EMG inputs, is a necessary requirement for commercial applications in robotic control, prostheses, and orthoses [7]- [10]. A simple control strategy is represented by two independent muscles controlling each single DOF [1], [11].…”