ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC (EMG) FEEDBACK DURING AMES TREATMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH SEVERE NEUROMUSCULAR DEFICITS

摘要

A method of rehabilitating a patient suffering partial or total loss of motor control of an appendicular joint caused by injury or neurological disorder but exhibiting clinically plegic (i.e., paralyzed) muscles and retaining minimal ability to weakly contract the muscles develops overt movement at a joint and ultimately leads to improved functionality. The method entails use of feedback (28) in which the patient views (32) and/or hears (36) a signal related to the intensity of electromyographic (EMG) activity (34) the patient produces in the appropriate muscles while attempting to move the paretic or plegic joint. The method is intended as an alternative form of feedback for highly disabled patients while they receive therapy using an Assisted Movement with Enhanced Sensation (AMES) device providing joint torque feedback.