Rehabilitation Process of Upper Limbs Muscles through EMG Based Video Game

Abstract

This paper presents a human-computer interface system using Electromyography (EMG) signals to design a computer-based video game that enhances the muscle strength and can be used for rehabilitation of fist, wrist or forearm muscles. This game encompasses the rehabilitation of the muscle in itself by asking the user to move the muscle and measure the potential difference generated due to action potential using MyoWare muscle sensors kit. This newly generated raw EMG signal is passed on to Arduino, which is interfaced with a computer through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) based computer game, coded and designed in MATLAB. The gaming console presents an interesting and enjoyable platform as a modern treatment approach for stroke rehabilitation and provides an opportunity to practice activities that are not or cannot be practiced within the clinical environment. It encourages a higher number of repetitions than traditional therapy tasks without the supervision of an expert. However, due to the higher computational delay of 2 to 5 seconds between two consecutive input operations, MATLAB is not suitable for creating a real-time virtual gaming environment. The primary objective of the paper is to design and evaluate the effects of an interactive video game environment for upper limb muscle rehabilitation. Secondary outcomes included process limitations and adverse events based on the current equipment and techniques used.