Electromyography (EMG)-Based Assistive Human-Machine Interface Design: Cognitive Workload and Motor Skill Learning Assessment
The UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is trying to advance active upper limb prostheses control to improve the function and quality of life for upper extremity amputees. The idea is to achieve neural control of upper limb prosthesis through electric signals recorded from muscles. These signals are called electromyographic signals (EMG) and are the signals of muscle contraction detected by electrodes attached to skin. This study aims to investigate the cognitive workload associated with using these systems for supporting motor skill rehabilitation and activities of daily living. This program is being led by Dr. He (Helen) Huang.
We are looking for upper limb amputees and able-bodied participants for this study.
All participants must meet the following criteria
- Between the age of 18 and 70
- Free from cognitive impairment
- Free from serious morbidities (i.e. stroke, severe heart disease, etc…)
- Fluent in English (for consent form and appropriate communication)
Upper limb amputees must also meet the following additional criteria
- At least 1-year post-amputation
- Have no history of cardiac arrest, seizure, or other serious illness
The participants will be asked to perform low-level physical activities such as arm reaching, feeding, hand open, wrist extension, and etc. Research study will be conducted at the NC State University. All able-bodied subjects will be paid $15/hour for participation in the study. Amputee subjects will be paid at $25/hour with minimum 50$/visit. The default method of payment is with gift cards. Alternatively, you can be paid through payroll reimbursement if you are an NCSU employee who is not a non-US citizen. Payroll reimbursements will only be used if there are problems with the gift cards, or if you explicitly request to be paid this way.
For more information please contact Dr. He (Helen) Huang at (919)515-5218, email: hhuang11@ncsu.edu