A computer-aided myoelectric training system for young upper limb amputees

Abstract

The techniques employed in most clinical centres for training amputees to use myoelectric prostheses are quite similar. Training aids employing meters, lights or modified toys as indicators of signal level are routinely used for control site selection and for ‘signals training’. It is clear from local experience and from the literature that the difficulty of maintaining motivation rather than any other criterion is the limiting factor determining the duration and effectiveness of signals training. This is especially true for the case of children in the age range of 5–14 years. In an attempt to provide a training aid for young amputees, which maintains user motivation, the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at UNB has developed a system based on ‘computer games’. The rationale for this project derives from the observation that computer games have a universal fascination for all ages, and may provide the stimulus and excitement necessary to motivate the trainee. A custom hardware board has been designed which interfaces with an IBM PC type machine, which allows both conventional joystick input and two channels of myoelectric signal (MES) to be used as control sources for video game software. Consequently, the system is suitable for both single-site and two-site signal training. This arrangement also permits a comparison to be made concerning the activity of the sound limb versus the prosthetic side. The video game software has been custom designed so that subject evaluation routines can be run in the background. In this way the therapist can keep track of user performance and have a permanent record of the training session. The games have also been designed so that the user must use both sound and prosthetic limbs which in turn promotes the development of ‘two-handed’ activities.