This is a Phase II SBIR grant proposal to develop an advanced surface electromyographic acquisition system that is based on a modular series of electronic sensors specifically designed to obtain high fidelity EMG signals under extreme conditions of sweat accumulation, impact loading and stretching of the skin. This would enhance the possible uses of the surface EMG technique in rehabilitation, sports and ergonomics. It would also expand the market of surface EMG technology.
Specific aims for Phase II are to: (1) continue with the Phase I development of a knowledge base for characterizing the electromechanical performance of electrode surfaces and detection surfaces by designing and implementing test procedures for impact loading, stretching of the skin, and accumulation of sweat; (2) apply the knowledge base obtained in aim 1 to select optimal, or near optimal, combination of adhesives and hydrogels for the electrode interface; (3) develop electronic filters for the EMG acquisition system to optimize surface EMG recordings from the various test conditions described above: (4) field-test the prototypes under real-world, practical applications; and (5) compare the performance of the prototype to current commercially available systems and for a variety of skin types. The long-term objective is the production of a commercially viable, multi-channel surface EMG acquisition system that would offer the end user a versatile, but limited, combination of interfaces, detection surfaces, and signal bandwidths to tackle applications that were either avoided in the past or resulted in unwanted artifact.

Proposed Commercial Applications

NOT AVAILABLE

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44HD035412-03
Application #
6387854
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-5 (04))
Program Officer
Quatrano, Louis A
Project Start
1998-09-30
Project End
2002-04-30
Budget Start
2001-05-01
Budget End
2002-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$375,628
Indirect Cost
Name
Delsys, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
826428344
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215