Towards a Myoelectrically Controlled Virtual Reality Interface for Synergy-Based Stroke Rehabilitation

Abstract

Recent studies endorse the use of robotic and virtual reality (VR) systems for rehabilitation. Myoelectric (EMG) signals have been used for prosthetic control but their application to rehabilitation has been limited so far. Here we present a novel approach using an EMG controlled VR interface to test the synergistic organization of the neural control of arm movements in healthy subjects. EMG control offers the possibility to manipulate visual feedback according to the subject’s muscle activity and to test effects of simulated interventions on the human neuromuscular system that are either compatible or incompatible with the synergies. Such EMG controlled VR interface may open up new possibilities for rehabilitation as it offers the possibility to provide assistance tailored to the individual changes in synergistic organization.