An EMG-to-Force Processing Approach to Estimating Knee Muscle Forces during Adult, Self-Selected Speed Gait.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the force production during self-selected speed normal gait by muscle-tendon units that cross the knee. The force of a single knee muscle is not directly measurable without invasive methods, yet invasive techniques are not appropriate for clinical use. Thus, an EMG-to-force processing (EFP) model was developed which scaled muscle-tendon unit (MTU) force output to gait EMG.

Estimates of individual muscle power production in normal adult walking.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of individual hip muscles to the net hip power in normal adult self-selected speed walking. A further goal was to examine each muscle's role in propulsion or support of the body during that task.

Methods: An EMG-to-force processing (EFP) model was developed which scaled muscle-tendon unit (MTU) force output to gait EMG.

An EMG-to-Force Processing approach for estimating in vivo hip muscle forces in normal human walking.

The force of a single muscle is not directly measurable without invasive methods. Yet invasive techniques are not appropriate for clinical use, thus a non-invasive technique that combined the electromyographic (EMG) signal and a neuromuscular model was developed to determine in vivo active muscle forces at the hip. The EMG-to-force processing (EFP) model included active and passive moment components, and the net EFP moment was compared with the hip moment obtained with standard inverse dynamics techniques ("gold standard").

Treatment of severe hand impairment following stroke by combining assisted movement, muscle vibration, and biofeedback.

Background And Purpose: Few studies have addressed the rehabilitation of hand function in persons with severe impairment following stroke, and few therapeutic options are available for treatment. We investigated whether an intervention of robot-assisted movement and muscle vibration could reduce impairment and enable hand-opening to a greater extent when combined with torque biofeedback or electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback.

Methods: Forty-three participants with severe hand impairment due to chronic stroke (≥1 year poststroke) were randomized to 1 of 2 treatment groups receiving assisted movement and muscle vibration combined with either torque or EMG biofeedback.

Error augmentation enhancing arm recovery in individuals with chronic stroke: a randomized crossover design.

Background: Neurorehabilitation studies suggest that manipulation of error signals during practice can stimulate improvement in coordination after stroke.

Objective: To test visual display and robotic technology that delivers augmented error signals during training, in participants with stroke.

Methods: A total of 26 participants with chronic hemiparesis were trained with haptic (via robot-rendered forces) and graphic (via a virtual environment) distortions to amplify upper-extremity (UE) tracking error.