scholarly journals Comparison of vibrotactile and joint-torque feedback in a myoelectric upper-limb prosthesis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Thomas ◽  
Garrett Ung ◽  
Colette McGarvey ◽  
Jeremy D. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Haptic Feedback ◽  
Joint Torque ◽  
Vibrotactile Feedback ◽  
Myoelectric Prosthesis ◽  
Myoelectric Prostheses ◽  
Upper Limb Prosthesis ◽  
Cutaneous Feedback ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Feedback Modalities ◽  
Joint Torque Feedback

AbstractBackgroundDespite the technological advancements in myoelectric prostheses, body-powered prostheses remain a popular choice for amputees, in part due to the natural sensory advantage they provide. Research on haptic feedback in myoelectric prostheses has delivered mixed results. Furthermore, there is limited research comparing various haptic feedback modalities in myoelectric prostheses. In this paper, we present a comparison of the feedback intrinsically present in body-powered prostheses (joint-torque feedback) to a commonly proposed feedback modality for myoelectric prostheses (vibrotactile feedback). In so doing, we seek to understand whether the advantages of kinesthetic feedback present in body-powered prostheses translate to myoelectric prostheses, and whether there are differences between kinesthetic and cutaneous feedback in prosthetic applications.MethodsWe developed an experimental testbed that features a cable-driven, voluntary-closing 1-DoF prosthesis, a capstan-driven elbow exoskeleton, and a vibrotactile actuation unit. The system can present grip force to users as either a flexion moment about the elbow or vibration on the wrist. To provide an equal comparison of joint-torque and vibrotactile feedback, a stimulus intensity matching scheme was utilized. Non-amputee participants (n=12) were asked to discriminate objects of varying stiffness with the prosthesis in three conditions: no haptic feedback, vibrotactile feedback, and joint-torque feedback.ResultsResults indicate that haptic feedback increased discrimination accuracy over no haptic feedback, but the difference between joint-torque feedback and vibrotactile feedback was not significant. In addition, our results highlight nuanced differences in performance depending on the objects’ stiffness, and suggest that participants likely pay less attention to incidental cues with the addition of haptic feedback.ConclusionEven when haptic feedback is not modality matched to the task, such as in the case of vibrotactile feedback, performance with a myoelectric prosthesis can improve significantly. This implies it is possible to achieve the same benefits with vibrotactile feedback, which is cheaper and easier to implement than other forms of feedback.

scholarly journals Myoelectric Prosthesis Users and Non-Disabled Individuals Wearing A Simulated Prosthesis Exhibit Similar Compensatory Movement Strategies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather E. Williams ◽  
Craig S. Chapman ◽  
Patrick M. Pilarski ◽  
Albert H. Vette ◽  
Jacqueline S. Hebert
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Kinematic Data ◽  
Myoelectric Prosthesis ◽  
Myoelectric Prostheses ◽  
Compensatory Movement ◽  
Upper Limb Prosthesis ◽  
Movement Strategies ◽  
Shoulder Motion

Abstract Background: Research studies on upper limb prosthesis function often rely on the use of simulated myoelectric prostheses (attached to and operated by individuals with intact limbs), primarily to increase participant sample size. However, it is not known if these devices elicit the same movement strategies as myoelectric prostheses (operated by individuals with amputation). The objective of this study was to compare compensatory movement strategies, measured by hand and upper body kinematics, of twelve non-disabled individuals wearing a simulated prosthesis to those of three individuals with transradial amputation using their custom-fitted myoelectric devices. Methods: Motion capture was used to obtain kinematic data as participants performed a standardized functional task. Performance metrics, end effector movements and angular kinematics were analyzed. Results: Results show that participants using a simulated or actual myoelectric prosthesis had similar differences in phase durations, hand velocities, hand trajectories, movement units, grip aperture plateaus, and trunk and shoulder motion when compared to normative behaviour. Conclusions: This study suggests that the use of a simulated device in upper limb research offers a reasonable approximation of compensatory movement strategies employed by a novice to mid-skilled transradial myoelectric prosthesis user.

scholarly journals Myoelectric prosthesis users and non-disabled individuals wearing a simulated prosthesis exhibit similar compensatory movement strategies

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather E. Williams ◽  
Craig S. Chapman ◽  
Patrick M. Pilarski ◽  
Albert H. Vette ◽  
Jacqueline S. Hebert
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Myoelectric Prosthesis ◽  
Myoelectric Prostheses ◽  
Upper Limb Prosthesis ◽  
Movement Strategies ◽  
Upper Limb Movements ◽  
Participant Group

Abstract Background Research studies on upper limb prosthesis function often rely on the use of simulated myoelectric prostheses (attached to and operated by individuals with intact limbs), primarily to increase participant sample size. However, it is not known if these devices elicit the same movement strategies as myoelectric prostheses (operated by individuals with amputation). The objective of this study was to address the question of whether non-disabled individuals using simulated prostheses employ the same compensatory movements (measured by hand and upper body kinematics) as individuals who use actual myoelectric prostheses. Methods The upper limb movements of two participant groups were investigated: (1) twelve non-disabled individuals wearing a simulated prosthesis, and (2) three individuals with transradial amputation using their custom-fitted myoelectric devices. Motion capture was used for data collection while participants performed a standardized functional task. Performance metrics, hand movements, and upper body angular kinematics were calculated. For each participant group, these measures were compared to those from a normative baseline dataset. Each deviation from normative movement behaviour, by either participant group, indicated that compensatory movements were used during task performance. Results Results show that participants using either a simulated or actual myoelectric prosthesis exhibited similar deviations from normative behaviour in phase durations, hand velocities, hand trajectories, number of movement units, grip aperture plateaus, and trunk and shoulder ranges of motion. Conclusions This study suggests that the use of a simulated prosthetic device in upper limb research offers a reasonable approximation of compensatory movements employed by a low- to moderately-skilled transradial myoelectric prosthesis user.

scholarly journals Thermal Feedback for Simulated Lane Change Scenarios

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-57
Author(s):  
Patrizia Di Campli San Vito ◽  
Stephen Brewster ◽  
Frank Pollick ◽  
Stuart White ◽  
Lee Skrypchuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Haptic Feedback ◽  
Recognition Rate ◽  
Lane Change ◽  
Vibrotactile Feedback ◽  
Thermal Feedback ◽  
Neutral Temperature ◽  
Temperature Variable ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Change Task ◽  
Thermal Stimuli

Most research into haptic feedback for in-car applications has used vibrotactile feedback. In this article, two simulator studies investigate novel thermal feedback during driving for a lane change task. The distraction and time differences of audio and thermal feedback were investigated in the first, with results showing that thermal feedback does not increase lane deviation, but the time to completed lane change is 1.82s longer in the thermal than the audio condition. The second experiment explored the difference in variable changes of the thermal stimuli on the recognition rate and false positive recognition at the return to the neutral temperature. Variable alterations can have different effects on these tasks and are not mirrored for the directions of temperature change. This suggests that the design of thermal stimuli is highly dependent on what result should be maximized: recognition rate or minimal additional changes at the return to the neutral temperature.

The Development of a Myoelectric Training Tool for Above-Elbow Amputees

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R Dawson ◽  
Farbod Fahimi ◽  
Jason P Carey
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Learning Task ◽  
Robotic Arm ◽  
Signal Acquisition ◽  
Myoelectric Prosthesis ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Myoelectric Prostheses ◽  
Training Systems ◽  
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

The objective of above-elbow myoelectric prostheses is to reestablish the functionality of missing limbs and increase the quality of life of amputees. By using electromyography (EMG) electrodes attached to the surface of the skin, amputees are able to control motors in myoelectric prostheses by voluntarily contracting the muscles of their residual limb. This work describes the development of an inexpensive myoelectric training tool (MTT) designed to help upper limb amputees learn how to use myoelectric technology in advance of receiving their actual myoelectric prosthesis. The training tool consists of a physical and simulated robotic arm, signal acquisition hardware, controller software, and a graphical user interface. The MTT improves over earlier training systems by allowing a targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) patient to control up to two degrees of freedom simultaneously. The training tool has also been designed to function as a research prototype for novel myoelectric controllers. A preliminary experiment was performed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the MTT as a learning tool and to identify any issues with the system. Five able-bodied participants performed a motor-learning task using the EMG controlled robotic arm with the goal of moving five balls from one box to another as quickly as possible. The results indicate that the subjects improved their skill in myoelectric control over the course of the trials. A usability survey was administered to the subjects after their trials. Results from the survey showed that the shoulder degree of freedom was the most difficult to control.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Optimal Vibrotactile Feedback for Force-Controlled Upper Limb Myoelectric Prostheses

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (23) ◽  
pp. 5209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Gonzalez-Rodriguez ◽  
Jose L. Ramon ◽  
Vicente Morell ◽  
Gabriel J. Garcia ◽  
Jorge Pomares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Vibrotactile Feedback ◽  
Loop Control ◽  
Myoelectric Prostheses ◽  
Amplitude Level ◽  
Real Time Application ◽  
Selection Of

The main goal of this study is to evaluate how to optimally select the best vibrotactile pattern to be used in a closed loop control of upper limb myoelectric prostheses as a feedback of the exerted force. To that end, we assessed both the selection of actuation patterns and the effects of the selection of frequency and amplitude parameters to discriminate between different feedback levels. A single vibrotactile actuator has been used to deliver the vibrations to subjects participating in the experiments. The results show no difference between pattern shapes in terms of feedback perception. Similarly, changes in amplitude level do not reflect significant improvement compared to changes in frequency. However, decreasing the number of feedback levels increases the accuracy of feedback perception and subject-specific variations are high for particular participants, showing that a fine-tuning of the parameters is necessary in a real-time application to upper limb prosthetics. In future works, the effects of training, location, and number of actuators will be assessed. This optimized selection will be tested in a real-time proportional myocontrol of a prosthetic hand.

scholarly journals An exploration of grip force regulation with a low-impedance myoelectric prosthesis featuring referred haptic feedback

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy D. Brown ◽  
Andrew Paek ◽  
Mashaal Syed ◽  
Marcia K. O’Malley ◽  
Patricia A. Shewokis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grip Force ◽  
Haptic Feedback ◽  
Myoelectric Prosthesis

scholarly journals Fabric Vest Socket with Embroidered Electrodes for Control of Myoelectric Prosthesis

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seulah Lee ◽  
Babar Jamil ◽  
Sunhong Kim ◽  
Youngjin Choi
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Electrode Impedance ◽  
Rigid Support ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Myoelectric Prosthesis ◽  
Myoelectric Prostheses ◽  
Average Classification Accuracy ◽  
High Level ◽  
Semg Signals

Myoelectric prostheses assist users to live their daily lives. However, the majority of users are primarily confined to forearm amputees because the surface electromyography (sEMG) that understands the motion intents should be acquired from a residual limb for control of the myoelectric prosthesis. This study proposes a novel fabric vest socket that includes embroidered electrodes suitable for a high-level upper amputee, especially for shoulder disarticulation. The fabric vest socket consists of rigid support and a fabric vest with embroidered electrodes. Several experiments were conducted to verify the practicality of the developed vest socket with embroidered electrodes. The sEMG signals were measured using commercial Ag/AgCl electrodes for a comparison to verify the performance of the embroidered electrodes in terms of signal amplitudes, the skin-electrode impedance, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). These results showed that the embroidered electrodes were as effective as the commercial electrodes. Then, posture classification was carried out by able-bodied subjects for the usability of the developed vest socket. The average classification accuracy for each subject reached 97.92%, and for all the subjects it was 93.2%. In other words, the fabric vest socket with the embroidered electrodes could measure sEMG signals with high accuracy. Therefore, it is expected that it can be readily worn by high-level amputees to control their myoelectric prostheses, as well as it is cost effective for fabrication as compared with the traditional socket.

Evaluation of the effects of adding vibrotactile feedback to myoelectric prosthesis users on performance and visual attention in a dual-task paradigm

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1308-1316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eitan Raveh ◽  
Jason Friedman ◽  
Sigal Portnoy
Keyword(s):  
Visual Attention ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Gaze Behavior ◽  
Vibrotactile Feedback ◽  
Myoelectric Prosthesis ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Performance Time ◽  
Dual Task Paradigm ◽  
Improved Performance

Objective: To evaluate the effects of adding vibrotactile feedback to myoelectric prosthesis users on the performance time and visual attention in a dual-task paradigm. Design: A repeated-measures design with a counterbalanced order of two conditions. Setting: Laboratory setting. Subjects: Transradial amputees using a myoelectric prosthesis with normal or corrected eyesight ( N = 12, median age = 65 ± 13 years). Exclusion criteria were orthopedic or neurologic problems. Interventions: Subjects performed grasping tasks with their prosthesis, while controlling a virtual car on a road with their intact hand. The dual task was performed twice: with and without vibrotactile feedback. Main measures: Performance time of each of the grasping tasks and gaze behavior, measured by the number of times the subjects shifted their gaze toward their hand, the relative time they applied their attention to the screen, and percentage of error in the secondary task. Results: The mean performance time was significantly shorter ( P = 0.024) when using vibrotactile feedback (93.2 ± 9.6 seconds) compared with the performance time measured when vibrotactile feedback was not available (107.8 ± 20.3 seconds). No significant differences were found between the two conditions in the number of times the gaze shifted from the screen to the hand, in the time the subjects applied their attention to the screen, and in the time the virtual car was off-road, as a percentage of the total game time (51.4 ± 15.7 and 50.2 ± 19.5, respectively). Conclusion: Adding vibrotactile feedback improved performance time during grasping in a dual-task paradigm. Prosthesis users may use vibrotactile feedback to perform better during daily tasks, when multiple cognitive demands are present.

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