title: A method to determine the optimal features for control of a powered lower-limb prostheses.
abstract: Lower-limb prostheses are rapidly advancing with greater computing power and sensing modalities. This paper is an attempt to begin exploring the trade-off between extrinsic and intrinsic control modalities. In this case, between electromyographic (extrinsic) and several internal sensors that can be used for intrinsic control. We propose a method that will identify the particular features, taken from two trans-femoral amputee and one trans-tibial amputee, during locomotion on varying terrain, that perfectly discriminate between locomotion modes. From this we are able to identify the source of the discriminability from a large-set of features that does not depend on the type of amputation. Also, we comment on the use of this algorithm in selecting the most discriminatory and least encumbering sensor/feature combination for transitions when the ground underneath the foot is unknown for trans-tibial amputees.
authors.affiliation: Biomechatronics Group, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. mtfarrel@mit.edu
authors.forename: M Todd
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Farrell
authors.forename: Hugh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Herr
mesh_terms: D056044:Actigraphy / Q000379:methods*; D000672:Amputation Stumps / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*