EMG Map for Designing the Electrode Shape for Functional Electrical Therapy of Upper Extremities

Achieving the functional grasp by electrical stimulation using surface electrodes is a demanding task. The innervations of muscles come via ulnar, radial and median nerves. The anatomy of nerve branches connecting various muscles in the forearm differs significantly between individuals. We hypothesize that the anatomical differences between the paretic and nonparetic arms are minimal. Based on this assumption we developed a method where the differences of muscle activities (EMG) between the healthy and paretic arms recorded by the 24-contact electrode within an array define the target zones to be stimulated on the affected forearm. We used special electrode where magnetic contacts allow simple change of the stimulation pads. The examiner positions the magnetic contact on the pads where the EMG differences are maximal. The stimulator delivers asynchronous stimulation to the selected pads. We proved that the method is working in stroke patients by measuring joint angles and the grasping force. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.Biosystems and Biorobotics, Vol. 21This is the peer-reviewed version of the following article: Popović-Maneski, L., Topalović, I., 2019. EMG Map for Designing the Electrode Shape for Functional Electrical Therapy of Upper Extremities, in: Masia, L., Micera, S., Akay, M., Pons, J.L. (Eds.), Converging Clinical and Engineering Research on Neurorehabilitation III, Biosystems & Biorobotics. Springer International Publishing, pp. 1003–1007, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01845-0_20

Text messaging for visually impaired

This project is designed to help the visually impaired become a part of modern forms of communication. In this paper, we will present a hands-free device that is meant to be wirelessly connected to a smartphone through an accompanying app which will provide access to all forms of messengers and enable the user to send, listen, respond to a text message, etc. These many options have been made possible by combining the movement of different fingers, without the need of any kind of buttons or keyboards. The system is based on accelerometers and Morse code. It's easy to use, discreet and it also provides privacy, opposed to the voice input. So far, we have made a non-wireless device and programmed and tested it in LabView and Matlab

Text messaging for visually impaired

This project is designed to help the visually impaired become a part of modern forms of communication. In this paper, we will present a hands-free device that is meant to be wirelessly connected to a smartphone through an accompanying app which will provide access to all forms of messengers and enable the user to send, listen, respond to a text message, etc. These many options have been made possible by combining the movement of different fingers, without the need of any kind of buttons or keyboards. The system is based on accelerometers and Morse code. It's easy to use, discreet and it also provides privacy, opposed to the voice input. So far, we have made a non-wireless device and programmed and tested it in LabView and Matlab

Effects of low-intensity electrical stimulation and adipose derived stem cells transplantation on the time-domain analysis-based electromyographic signals in dogs with SCI

The application of low-intensity electrical stimulation (LIES) to neural tissue increases neurochemical factors responsible for regeneration as nerve growth factor. Stem cell (SC) therapy for patients with Spinal cord injury (SCI) promote some increase functional improvement.ObjectiveInvestigate the electromyographic response in paraplegic dogs undergoing LIES and SC transplantation.Methods27 dogs paraplegics with SCI were divided into three groups with different types of therapy. GADSC: two SC transplants (n = 9); GLIES: LIES (n = 8); GCOMB: two SC transplants and LIES (n = 10). Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) were transplanted by lumbar puncture in the amount of 1.2 × 106 cells/50 μL. Acupuncture needles positioned in the interspinous space were used for stimulation. The electrical stimulation was applied with a mean voltage ∼30 mV and four consecutive modulated frequencies (5 Hz, 10 Hz, 15 Hz and 20 Hz) within 5 min each. The patients motor performance was evaluated before (Pre) the procedure and after 30 (Post30) and 60 (Post60) days, from electromyography root mean square (EMGRMS) registered with subcutaneous electrodes in the vastus lateralis muscle, while the animals were in quadrupedal position.ResultsAll three groups showed a significant intra-group increase of EMGRMS (Pre vs. Post30 or Pre vs. Post60). However, there were no statistically significant differences between Post30 and Post60. The inter-group test (GADSC X GLIES X GCOMB) did not present significance when compared the instants Pre (p = 0.34), Post30 (p = 0.78) and Post60 (p = 0.64).ConclusionSome dogs recovered motor activity, expressed by the EMGRMS, in all groups, in pre vs. post (30 or 60 days) comparisons.This is the peer-reviewed version of the article: Krueger, E., Magri, L.M.S., Botelho, A.S., Bach, F.S., Rebellato, C.L.K., Fracaro, L., Fragoso, F.Y.I., Villanova, J.A., Brofman, P.R.S., Popović-Maneski, L., 2019. Effects of low-intensity electrical stimulation and adipose derived stem cells transplantation on the time-domain analysis-based electromyographic signals in dogs with SCI. Neuroscience Letters 696, 38–45. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2018.12.004]Published version: [https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_dais_4595

Safety and ergonomic design issues of certain types of robots

The role of robots is to replace or assist humans in performing the tasks that are unsafe, repetitive and energy demanding. Almost every day the number of tasks performed by robots instead of humans, or in cooperation with humans increases. For this reason, increases the responsibility of the constructors of robots, as well as the whole community involved in the implementation of robots that are safe. To develop reliable and safe robots, one needs to include ergonomic knowledge, standards, and recommendations. We describe the significant problems related to the application of autonomous industrial robots, collaborative industrial robots, personal care robots and medical robots. The importance of the use of standards related to the safety of the types of robots mentioned above is pointed out. We also include the appropriate recommendations for designing safe robots