Determining Strength of Muscle Contraction Using Electromyogram

The purpose of this study is to detect forearm muscle contraction strength through use of electromyographic signals. Using a C coding software program, an algorithm is established to first detect an electromyographic signal and then to determine the strength of contraction of the muscle. A PIC microprocessor and printed circuit board (PCB) are also used to implement this task. Specifically, the amplitude of each contraction is studied to determine a weak, medium, or strong contraction type. This system can be used towards making objects (such as a wheelchair) move with different accelerations based on the strength of contraction of some muscle on the body.