EMG-Driven Force Fields: Toward a Myoprocessor for ‘Virtual Biomechanics’

Abstract

Estimating the contributions of individual muscles during limb movements is crucial to understand motor system organization. In pathological conditions, identifying the roles of each individual muscles may provide a basis for devising personalized treatments. In a previous study we demonstrated how arm and muscle geometry can be estimated from isometric force data and used to reliably estimate isometric endpoint forces in various arm configurations. Here we use a Hill-type muscle model to predict muscle torques and equivalent endpoint forces during planar arm movements in real-time. In conjunction with a planar robot manipulandum, the model is then used to modify the directions of action of individual muscles or muscle groups.