Comparison between two control algorithms for EMG-based navigation

The purpose of this study was to develop and compare two control algorithms that could potentially utilize two channels of surface electromyogram (EMG) to navigate electromechanical devices such as a powered wheelchair in all directions, i.e. forward (F), backward (B), right (R), and left (L). The first algorithm uses a non-timed muscle twitch to change between six modes (F, B, FR, FL, BR and BL), while the second algorithm uses a quick-timed twitch to switch between two modes (F and B). The second portion of this study consisted of acquiring EMG signals from the muscles of the forearm through a simple instrumentation circuit. The study was focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the controlling schemes. While the second algorithm offered faster manipulations, the first algorithm was more reliable and resulted in fewer collisions.