Developments in the field of electronics have made it possible to use physiological signals in the control of external power systems. The relationship between man and machine is complex and difficult. Review of myo-electric controls and functional electrical stimulation in prosthetics, orthotics and other fields indicates the extent of current clinical application. Advantages and disadvantages of 2-state, 3-state, proportional and other control systems are considered, and problems related to lack of sensory feedback, delay in movement response, etc. explored. The role of the occupational therapist as an interface between man and machine, using unique skills in patient assesment, selection of controls, training and evaluation of systems is discussed. The need for occupational therapists to become involved in research and development and to acquire specialized knowledge in applied sciences and biomechanics is emphasised.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
ScottRN“An introduction to Myo-electric control”Bioengineering Institute, University of New Brunswick, P. 1–12.
2.
SoerjantoR.“Application of Myo-electric Hand Prosthesis in the Netherlands” Report 1.1.59.3. Inst. Medical Physics, TNO, Utrecht, Netherlands, 1971, P. 30–90.
3.
Stein“Myo-electric Control” Proceedings 1st Canadian Medical & Biological Conference, Ottawa, 1966.
4.
HoganN.A review of the methods of processing EMG for use as a proportional control signalBiomedical Engineering, March 1976, P. 81–86.
5.
ReillyWEControl of Upper Extremety Prostheses and Orthoses (Implantable devices for Myo-electric control)C.C. Thomas, Springfield, III P. 23–24.
6.
ChildressDSNeural Organisation and Myo-electric Control, Houston Neurological Symposium, Intercontinental Medical Book Corporation, 1973 P. 117.
7.
ChildressDS“Powered limb prostheses — their clinical significance”IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, BNE 20.3, May 1973.
8.
MannRWControl of Upper Extremity Prostheses and Orthoses (Force & Position proprioception for prostheses)C.C. Thomas, Springfield, Ill. P. 201–219.
9.
- “Aids to Biological Communication, Prostheses and Syntheses”Vol. 2, P. 270–290.
10.
ShannonGFFactors affecting the design of control systems for prosthetic devicesBiomedical Engineering, Vol. 8No. 3, March 1973, P. 116.
11.
TromblyCAMyo-electric control of orthotic devices for the severely paralyzedAmerical Journal of Occupational TherapyXXII.5. 1968, P. 385–389.
12.
ZrubckyG.StogerM.Orthosis for restoration of prehensile function in tetraplegicParaplegia (1973) II Annual Scientific Meeting, 1973, P. 228–237.
13.
LongC.EbskovB.Research applications of myo-electric controlArchives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vol. 47. No. 3 P. 190–198.
14.
WolpertR.WooldridgeC.Use of EMG as biofeedback therapy in the management of CP — a review and case studyPhysiotherapy CanadaVol. 27.1. March 1975 P. 5–9.
15.
Proceedings of 5th Canadian Medical & Biological Engineering Conference (1974) Montreal, ref.: 13.4a; 13.6; 17.4a.
16.
BasmajianJVTreatment of footdrop after stroke compared with standard rehabilitation techniques — affects on voluntary control and strengthArchives of Physical Medecine & Rehabilitation, Vol. 56.6 June 1975, P. 231–236.
17.
TengElMcNealDRElectrical Stimulation and feedback training; effects on voluntary control of paretic musclesArchives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vol. 57, May 1976, P. 228–253.
18.
HollisL. Harrison, E. Improved surface electrode for monitoring myopotentialsAmerican Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. XXIV. 1. 1970. P. 28–30.
19.
BookerH.Simplified feedback in neuromuscular retraining — an automated approach using EMG signals. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vol. 50.11 Nov. 1969, P. 621–625.
20.
StaufferESNickelVL, Control systems for upper estremity function in traumatic quadriplegiaParaplegia (1972) 10, 2nd Int. scientific. meeting Int. Med. Soc. P. 3–10.
21.
MerlettiR.Electrophysiological orthosis for the upper extremity in hemiplegia — a feasibility studyArchives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vol. 56 Dec. 1975.
22.
ClippingerFWNeural Organisation and Myo-Electric Control Houston Neurological Symposium, Intercontinental Medical Book Corporation, 1973. P. 165.
23.
McNealDRNeural Organization and its Relevance to Prosthetics Houston Neurological Symposium, Intercontinental Medical Book Corporation, 1973.
24.
BasmajianJVMuscles Alive — Their function Revealed by EMG3rd editionWilliams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1974 p. 16–152.
25.
ShambesG. Waterland, J Control of motor units in skill and postural muscles in normal man — an EMG studyAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine, Vol. 52, No. 3 June 1973 p. 114–123.
26.
MooreJCExcitation overflow — an electromyographic investigationArchives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vol. 56, March 1975, P. 115–120.
27.
KottkeFJStroke and its Rehabilitation (Neurophysiologic Therapy for Stroke) Ed. LichtS.Waverley Press, Baltimore, 1975.
28.
MortimerJTControl of Upper Extremity Prostheses and OrthosesCC. Thomas, Springfield, Illinois P. 131–2.
29.
VadovnikL.RebersekS.Information content of myo-electric signals for orthotic and prosthetic systemsArchives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vol. 55, No. 2, Feb. 1974 P. 52–56.
