DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/5BSB-8K31

Defense Date

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Peter Pidcoe

Abstract

While research shows that a patient’s success in using a myoelectric prosthetic arm is dependent on receiving effective training, current methods of training are not designed to effectively hold attention long enough for optimal training. This study focused on evaluating a novel myoelectric training device, consisting of a toy car controlled by EMG signals from the arm. Subjects’ performance with the trainer was evaluated to determine its ability to provide experience with EMG controls. Eight healthy adult subjects were taken through typical initial stages of myoelectric training, then asked to drive the car through a slalom course while the time, number of errors, and reversals required to complete the course were recorded, as well as the degree of difficulty subjects reported. The learning induced by using the trainer was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.002), with subjects demonstrating dramatic improvements (> 49%) in performance.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

August 2012

Share

COinS