Identifying spinal lesion site from surface emg grid recordings

B. Afsharipour*, M. Sandhu, G. Rasool, N. L. Suresh, W. Z. Rymer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Human spinal cord injuries (SCI) disrupt the pathways between the brain and spinal cord, resulting in substantial impairment and loss of function. We recorded surface electromyogram signals (sEMG) using grids of electrodes (8 × 8) applied on Biceps Brachii and Triceps Brachii muscles. We aimed to identify dysfunctional muscle activation in individuals with incomplete injuries of the cervical cord. We recorded sEMG and force from one SCI individual (Chronic, C5-C7, ASIA score D) and from a neurologically intact person during the generation of an isometric sinusoidal force trajectory (15s elbow flexion + 15s elbow extension). We found that the SCI subject was not able to follow the target force during elbow extension as precisely as in elbow flexion. Failure in tracking force was quantified using the root mean squared error between the target and generated forces. Our data suggest that C7 was the most affected spinal segment while the anatomical level had been diagnosed C5-C7. These data show the potential use of sEMG grid recording for localizing the motor lesion level within the spinal cord. Additional confirmatory studies are necessary to validate our results.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBiosystems and Biorobotics
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages39-43
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

Publication series

NameBiosystems and Biorobotics
Volume15
ISSN (Print)2195-3562
ISSN (Electronic)2195-3570

Funding

Research supported by NIDILRR grant H133P110013.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence

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