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Yassin MM, Saad MN, Khalifa AM, Said AM. Advancing clinical understanding of surface electromyography biofeedback: bridging research, teaching, and commercial applications. Expert Rev Med Devices 2024; 21:709-726. [PMID: 38967375 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2024.2376699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Expanding the use of surface electromyography-biofeedback (EMG-BF) devices in different therapeutic settings highlights the gradually evolving role of visualizing muscle activity in the rehabilitation process. This review evaluates their concepts, uses, and trends, combining evidence-based research. AREAS COVERED This review dissects the anatomy of EMG-BF systems, emphasizing their transformative integration with machine-learning (ML) and deep-learning (DL) paradigms. Advances such as the application of sophisticated DL architectures for high-density EMG data interpretation, optimization techniques for heightened DL model performance, and the fusion of EMG with electroencephalogram (EEG) signals have been spotlighted for enhancing biomechanical analyses in rehabilitation. The literature survey also categorizes EMG-BF devices based on functionality and clinical usage, supported by insights from commercial sectors. EXPERT OPINION The current landscape of EMG-BF is rapidly evolving, chiefly propelled by innovations in artificial intelligence (AI). The incorporation of ML and DL into EMG-BF systems augments their accuracy, reliability, and scope, marking a leap in patient care. Despite challenges in model interpretability and signal noise, ongoing research promises to address these complexities, refining biofeedback modalities. The integration of AI not only predicts patient-specific recovery timelines but also tailors therapeutic interventions, heralding a new era of personalized medicine in rehabilitation and emotional detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen M Yassin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed N Saad
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Ayman M Khalifa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ashraf M Said
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Electrical Engineering Department, Benha Faculty of Engineering, Benha University, Al Qalyubiyah, Egypt
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Walters K, Thomas GC, Lin J, Gregg RD. An Energetic Approach to Task-Invariant Ankle Exoskeleton Control. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ... IEEE/RSJ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTELLIGENT ROBOTS AND SYSTEMS. IEEE/RSJ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTELLIGENT ROBOTS AND SYSTEMS 2023; 2023:6082-6089. [PMID: 38130334 PMCID: PMC10732252 DOI: 10.1109/iros55552.2023.10342136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Robotic ankle exoskeletons have been shown to reduce human effort during walking. However, existing ankle exoskeleton control approaches are limited in their ability to apply biomimetic torque across diverse tasks outside of the controlled lab environment. Energy shaping control can provide task-invariant assistance without estimating the user's state, classifying task, or reproducing pre-defined torque trajectories. In previous work, we showed that an optimally task-invariant energy shaping controller implemented on a knee-ankle exoskeleton reduced the effort of certain muscles for a range of tasks. In this paper, we extend this approach to the sensor suite available at the ankle and present its implementation on a commercially-available, bilateral ankle exoskeleton. An experiment with three healthy subjects walking on a circuit and on a treadmill showed that the controller can approximate biomimetic profiles for varying terrains and task transitions without classifying tasks or switching control modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Walters
- Katharine Walters, Gray Thomas, and Robert D. Gregg are with the Department of Robotics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Gray C. Thomas
- Katharine Walters, Gray Thomas, and Robert D. Gregg are with the Department of Robotics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Lin
- Jianping Lin is with the State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Robert D. Gregg
- Katharine Walters, Gray Thomas, and Robert D. Gregg are with the Department of Robotics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Garcia-Retortillo S, Romero-Gómez C, Ivanov PC. Network of muscle fibers activation facilitates inter-muscular coordination, adapts to fatigue and reflects muscle function. Commun Biol 2023; 6:891. [PMID: 37648791 PMCID: PMC10468525 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05204-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fundamental movement patterns require continuous skeletal muscle coordination, where muscle fibers with different timing of activation synchronize their dynamics across muscles with distinct functions. It is unknown how muscle fibers integrate as a network to generate and fine tune movements. We investigate how distinct muscle fiber types synchronize across arm and chest muscles, and respond to fatigue during maximal push-up exercise. We uncover that a complex inter-muscular network of muscle fiber cross-frequency interactions underlies push-up movements. The network exhibits hierarchical organization (sub-networks/modules) with specific links strength stratification profile, reflecting distinct functions of muscles involved in push-up movements. We find network reorganization with fatigue where network modules follow distinct phase-space trajectories reflecting their functional role and adaptation to fatigue. Consistent with earlier observations for squat movements under same protocol, our findings point to general principles of inter-muscular coordination for fundamental movements, and open a new area of research, Network Physiology of Exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Garcia-Retortillo
- Keck Laboratory for Network Physiology, Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27190, USA
- Complex Systems in Sport, INEFC University of Barcelona, 08038, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Romero-Gómez
- Complex Systems in Sport, INEFC University of Barcelona, 08038, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Plamen Ch Ivanov
- Keck Laboratory for Network Physiology, Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Harvard Medical School and Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str. Block 21, Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria.
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Garcia-Retortillo S, Ivanov PC. Inter-muscular networks of synchronous muscle fiber activation. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 2:1059793. [PMID: 36926057 PMCID: PMC10012969 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2022.1059793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscles continuously coordinate to facilitate a wide range of movements. Muscle fiber composition and timing of activation account for distinct muscle functions and dynamics necessary to fine tune muscle coordination and generate movements. Here we address the fundamental question of how distinct muscle fiber types dynamically synchronize and integrate as a network across muscles with different functions. We uncover that physiological states are characterized by unique inter-muscular network of muscle fiber cross-frequency interactions with hierarchical organization of distinct sub-networks and modules, and a stratification profile of links strength specific for each state. We establish how this network reorganizes with transition from rest to exercise and fatigue-a complex process where network modules follow distinct phase-space trajectories reflecting their functional role in movements and adaptation to fatigue. This opens a new area of research, Network Physiology of Exercise, leading to novel network-based biomarkers of health, fitness and clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Garcia-Retortillo
- Keck Laboratory for Network Physiology, Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Complex Systems in Sport INEFC University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Plamen Ch. Ivanov
- Keck Laboratory for Network Physiology, Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School and Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Konieczny M, Domaszewski P, Skorupska E, Borysiuk Z, Słomka KJ. Age-Related Differences in Intermuscular Coherence EMG-EMG of Ankle Joint Antagonist Muscle Activity during Maximal Leaning. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:7527. [PMID: 36236626 PMCID: PMC9573255 DOI: 10.3390/s22197527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermuscular synchronization is one of the fundamental aspects of maintaining a stable posture and is of great importance in the aging process. This study aimed to assess muscle synchronization and postural stabilizer asymmetry during quiet standing and the limits of stability using wavelet analysis. Intermuscular synchrony and antagonistic sEMG-sEMG (surface electromyography) coherence asymmetry were evaluated in the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles. METHODS The study involved 20 elderly (aged 65 ± 3.6) and 20 young (aged 21 ± 1.3) subjects. The task was to perform a maximum forward bend in a standing position. The prone test was divided into three phases: quiet standing (10 s), dynamic learning, and maintenance of maximum leaning (20 s). Wavelet analysis of coherence was performed in the delta and beta bands. RESULTS Young subjects modulated interface coherences to a greater extent in the beta band. Analysis of postural stability during standing tasks showed that only the parameter R2b (the distance between the maximal and minimal position central of pressure), as an indicator for assessing the practical limits of stability, was found to be significantly associated with differences in aging. CONCLUSION The results showed differences in the beta and delta band oscillations between young and older subjects in a postural task involving standing quietly and leaning forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Konieczny
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-068 Opole, Poland
| | - Przemysław Domaszewski
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Opole, 45-060 Opole, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Skorupska
- Department of Physiotherapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Borysiuk
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-068 Opole, Poland
| | - Kajetan J. Słomka
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
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Błaszczyszyn M, Borysiuk Z, Piechota K, Kręcisz K, Zmarzły D. Wavelet coherence as a measure of trunk stabilizer muscle activation in wheelchair fencers. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2021; 13:140. [PMID: 34717749 PMCID: PMC8557511 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-021-00369-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermuscular synchronization constitutes one of the key aspects of effective sport performance and activities of daily living. The aim of the study was to assess the synchronization of trunk stabilizer muscles in wheelchair fencers with the use of wavelet analysis. METHODS Intermuscular synchronization and antagonistic EMG-EMG coherence were evaluated in the pairs of the right and the left latissimus dorsi/external oblique abdominal (LD/EOA) muscles. The study group consisted of 16 wheelchair fencers, members of the Polish Paralympic Team, divided into two categories of disability (A and B). Data analysis was carried out in three stages: (1) muscle activation recording using sEMG; (2) wavelet coherence analysis; and (3) coherence density analysis. RESULTS In the Paralympic wheelchair fencers, regardless of their disability category, the muscles were activated at low frequency levels: 8-20 Hz for category A fencers, and 5-15 Hz for category B fencers. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated a clear activity of the trunk muscles in the wheelchair fencers, including those with spinal cord injury, which can be explained as an outcome of their intense training. EMG signal processing application have great potential for performance improvement and diagnosis of wheelchair athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Błaszczyszyn
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758, Opole, Poland.
| | - Zbigniew Borysiuk
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758, Opole, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piechota
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758, Opole, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kręcisz
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758, Opole, Poland
| | - Dariusz Zmarzły
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics and Computer Science, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758, Opole, Poland
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Colamarino E, de Seta V, Masciullo M, Cincotti F, Mattia D, Pichiorri F, Toppi J. Corticomuscular and Intermuscular Coupling in Simple Hand Movements to Enable a Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface. Int J Neural Syst 2021; 31:2150052. [PMID: 34590990 DOI: 10.1142/s0129065721500520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke should enable the reinforcement of "more normal" brain and muscular activity. Here, we propose the combination of corticomuscular coherence (CMC) and intermuscular coherence (IMC) as control features for a novel hybrid BCI for rehabilitation purposes. Multiple electroencephalographic (EEG) signals and surface electromyography (EMG) from 5 muscles per side were collected in 20 healthy participants performing finger extension (Ext) and grasping (Grasp) with both dominant and non-dominant hand. Grand average of CMC and IMC patterns showed a bilateral sensorimotor area as well as multiple muscles involvement. CMC and IMC values were used as features to classify each task versus rest and Ext versus Grasp. We demonstrated that a combination of CMC and IMC features allows for classification of both movements versus rest with better performance (Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curve, AUC) for the Ext movement (0.97) with respect to Grasp (0.88). Classification of Ext versus Grasp also showed high performances (0.99). All in all, these preliminary findings indicate that the combination of CMC and IMC could provide for a comprehensive framework for simple hand movements to eventually be employed in a hybrid BCI system for post-stroke rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Colamarino
- Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Ariosto 25, Rome 00185, Italy.,Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 306-354, Rome 00179, Italy
| | - Valeria de Seta
- Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Ariosto 25, Rome 00185, Italy.,Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 306-354, Rome 00179, Italy
| | | | - Febo Cincotti
- Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Ariosto 25, Rome 00185, Italy.,Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 306-354, Rome 00179, Italy
| | - Donatella Mattia
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 306-354, Rome 00179, Italy
| | | | - Jlenia Toppi
- Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Ariosto 25, Rome 00185, Italy.,Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 306-354, Rome 00179, Italy
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Nacpil EJC, Nacy S, Youssef G. Feasibility assessment of transfer functions describing biomechanics of the human lower limb during the gait cycle. Biomed Signal Process Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2021.102776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lyu M, Chen WH, Ding X, Wang J, Pei Z, Zhang B. Development of an EMG-Controlled Knee Exoskeleton to Assist Home Rehabilitation in a Game Context. Front Neurorobot 2019; 13:67. [PMID: 31507400 PMCID: PMC6718718 DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2019.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a leading cause of loss of functional movement, stroke often makes it difficult for patients to walk. Interventions to aid motor recovery in stroke patients should be carried out as a matter of urgency. However, muscle activity in the knee is usually too weak to generate overt movements, which poses a challenge for early post-stroke rehabilitation training. Although electromyography (EMG)-controlled exoskeletons have the potential to solve this problem, most existing robotic devices in rehabilitation centers are expensive, technologically complex, and allow only low training intensity. To address these problems, we have developed an EMG-controlled knee exoskeleton for use at home to assist stroke patients in their rehabilitation. EMG signals of the subject are acquired by an easy-to-don EMG sensor and then processed by a Kalman filter to control the exoskeleton autonomously. A newly-designed game is introduced to improve rehabilitation by encouraging patients' involvement in the training process. Six healthy subjects took part in an initial test of this new training tool. The test showed that subjects could use their EMG signals to control the exoskeleton to assist them in playing the game. Subjects found the rehabilitation process interesting, and they improved their control performance through 20-block training, with game scores increasing from 41.3 ± 15.19 to 78.5 ± 25.2. The setup process was simplified compared to traditional studies and took only 72 s according to test on one healthy subject. The time lag of EMG signal processing, which is an important aspect for real-time control, was significantly reduced to about 64 ms by employing a Kalman filter, while the delay caused by the exoskeleton was about 110 ms. This easy-to-use rehabilitation tool has a greatly simplified training process and allows patients to undergo rehabilitation in a home environment without the need for a therapist to be present. It has the potential to improve the intensity of rehabilitation and the outcomes for stroke patients in the initial phase of rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Lyu
- School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wei-Hai Chen
- College of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xilun Ding
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongcai Pei
- School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Baochang Zhang
- School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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