Determination of significant muscle in movement of upper limb using maximum voluntary contraction of EMG signal

Abstract

Electromyography (EMG) employs widespread usage of rehabilitation robotics. EMG informs about the maximum capabilities of muscles and allows comparisons between different tasks performed. This presents a comparitive study % MVC (Maximum Voluntary Contraction) hand muscles among 30 to 60 years of age group. The movement considered are flexion and extension of elbow and wrist, pronation and supination of forearm and opening and closing of hand. The study concludes that the muscles bicep brachii, tricep brachii, pronator quadrates, supinator, flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi radialis, flexor digitorum superficialis, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollocis longus, extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi are significant for the particular hand movements considered during the study. The activity of these muscles was higher for particular movements when compared with the other muscles. Hence, this study is helpful in designing of orthotic and prosthetic devices for the disabled.