Abstract:
We have explored the feasibility of an alternative
strategy using biological signals such as sEMG of the
sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) for variable control of our
head movement system. Seven volunteers were instrumented
with bilateral sEMG sensors on the SCM. Basic neck
movements of lateral tilts and graded head rotations were
performed. Data were normalized as a percentage of maximum
voluntary contractions (MVC) for right and left sides,
respectively. The contribution from ipsilateral sEMG signal as
percentage of full-range was ~75% for left and 55% for right
head tilts. During head rotations at 30, 45, and 60° to both
sides, results for sEMG signal amplitude as a percentage of
MVC showed excellent reproducibility of the contralateral
SCM at approximately 10%, 18%, and 32% on both sides.
Despite the small number of subjects for a thorough statistical
analysis, no differences exist in t-tests between sEMG (as % of
MVC) right and left sides during head rotation; however,
differences do exist for each level of rotation (p < 0.01). Head
rotation provided the most consistent sEMG signal correlation
with the degree of motion in all subjects, allowing for
reproducible proportional control for our head movement
technology.
