Integration of surface electromyographic sensors with the transfemoral amputee socket: a comparison of four differing configurations.
OBJECTIVE
In recent years, there has been an increased interest in recording high-quality electromyographic signals from within the sockets of lower-limb amputees. However, successful recording presents major challenges to both researchers and clinicians. This article details and compares four prototypical integrated socket-sensor designs used to record electromyographic signals from within the sockets of transfemoral amputees.


METHODS
Four prototypical socket-sensor configurations were constructed and tested on a single transfemoral amputee asked to perform sitting/standing, stair ascent/descent, and level ground walking. The number of large-amplitude motion artifacts generated using each prototype was quantified, the amount of skin irritation documented, and the comfort level of each assembly subjectively assessed by the amputee subject.


CONCLUSIONS
Of the four configurations tested, the combination of a suction socket with integrated wireless surface electrodes generated the lowest number of large-amplitude motion artifacts, the least visible skin irritation, and was judged to be most comfortable by the amputee subject.


CONCLUSIONS
The collection of high-quality electromyographic signals from an amputee's residual limb while maximizing patient comfort holds substantial potential to enhance neuromuscular clinical assessment and as a method of intuitive control of powered lower-limb prostheses.
Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, USA.
Gerald M
GM
Hefferman
Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, USA Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, NCSU/UNC Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA.
Fan
F
Zhang
Nunnery Orthotic and Prosthetic Technologies, LLC, North Kingstown, USA.
Michael J
MJ
Nunnery
Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, USA Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, NCSU/UNC Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA hhuang11@ncsu.edu.
He
H
Huang
D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000145:classification*; D004566:Electrodes; D004576:Electromyography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009068:Movement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000145:classification*; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Electromyography; patient comfort; sensor integration; surface electromyography