title: A blinking periorbital prosthesis using surface electromyographic signals of the orbicularis oculi muscle.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent advances in human-machine interface technology have enabled the development of multifunctional, primarily orthopedic myoelectric prostheses. We developed a noninvasive blinking periorbital prosthesis that can synchronize with blinking of the intact eyelid by using surface electromyographic signals of the orbicularis oculi muscle.
  
  
  METHODS
  Myoelectric potentials of the orbicularis oculi muscle while blinking were measured with surface electrodes on the eyelid in four healthy adults. Possible cross talk introduced via the electrodes was also measured and assessed to determine whether cross talk would affect surface electromyographic measurements while blinking.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The amplitude of the surface myoelectric potential of the orbicularis oculi muscle was sufficiently high for the practical use of blinking prostheses. Our blinking model was successfully synchronized with blinks of the subjects' eyelids under experimental conditions without cross talk between the orbicularis oculi muscle and other muscles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although our study revealed several problems, the use of surface electromyographic signals could be a promising and useful technique for synchronizing blinking of the prosthetic eyelid with blinking of the intact eyelid. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Tadashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Akamatsu
authors.affiliation: International Institute for Science and Education, International Pacific University, 1-1-7 Sakuragicho, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Norimichi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kawashima
authors.affiliation: Ahead Laboratories Inc., 1-2-14 Shinkawa, Chuo, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tsunekuni
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Kotaro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Imagawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Muneo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miyasaka
keywords: Blinking; Myoelectric potential; Prosthesis; Surface EMG