Abstract
This paper presents the ARM Trainer, a new augmented reality-based system that can be used to train amputees in the use of myoelectric prostheses. The ARM Trainer provides users with a natural and intuitive method to develop the muscles used to control a myoelectric prosthetic. In addition to improving the training process, the new interface has the potential to mitigate psychological issues arising from amputation that are not addressed by existing approaches (e.g., self-image, phantom limb pain). We conducted an empirical study comparing our system to an existing commercial solution (Myoboy) and found the ARM Trainer to be superior along a number of subjective dimensions (enjoyment, perceived effort, competency, and pressure). We also found no significant difference in terms of muscle control development between the two systems. This study shows the potential of augmented reality-based training systems for myoelectric prostheses.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Dr. Kelvin Jones for the use of the EMG equipment and feedback on motor learning. This work was supported by the Canadian Institute of Health Research, the National Science and Engineering Research Council, and Alberta Innovates.
References
1. Dupont AC, Morin EL. A myoelectric control evaluation and trainer system. IEEE T Rehabil Eng 1994;2:100–7.10.1109/86.313151Search in Google Scholar
2. Smurr LM, Gulick K, Yancosek K, Ganz, O. Managing the upper extremity amputee: a protocol for success. J Hand Ther 2008;2:160–6.10.1197/j.jht.2007.09.006Search in Google Scholar PubMed
3. Burkhalter WE, Mayfield G, Carmona LS. The upper- extremity amputee. Early and immediate post-surgical prosthetic fitting. J Bone Joint Surg 1976;58:46–51.10.2106/00004623-197658010-00008Search in Google Scholar
4. Al-Jumaily A, Olivares RA. Electromyogram (EMG) driven system based virtual reality for prosthetic and rehabilitation devices. Proc Int Conf Inform Integr Web-based Appl Serv, 2008:582–6.10.1145/1806338.1806448Search in Google Scholar
5. Dawson MR, Fahimi F, Carey JP. The development of a myoelectric training tool for above-elbow amputees. Open Biomed Eng J 2012;6:5–15.10.2174/1874120701206010005Search in Google Scholar
6. OttoBock. MyoBoy. URL: http://www.ottobock.com/cps/rde/xchg/ob_com_en/hs.xsl/3795.html. Accessed on April 9, 2013.Search in Google Scholar
7. de la Rosa R, Alonso A, de la Rosa S, Abasolo D. Myo-Pong: a neuromuscular game for the UVa-Neuromuscular training system platform. Proc IEEE Virtual Rehab 2008:61.10.1109/ICVR.2008.4625124Search in Google Scholar
8. Armiger RS, Vogelstein RJ. Air-Guitar hero: a real-time video game interface for training and evaluation of dexterous upper- extremity neuroprosthetic control algorithms. Proc Biomed Circuits Syst Conf 2008:121–4.10.1109/BIOCAS.2008.4696889Search in Google Scholar
9. Murray CD, Patchick E, Pettifer S, Caillette F, Howard T. Immersive virtual reality as a rehabilitative technology for phantom limb experience: a protocol. Cyber Psychol Behav 2006;9:167–70.10.1089/cpb.2006.9.167Search in Google Scholar PubMed
10. Dawson MR, Carey JP, Fahimi F. Myoelectric training systems. Expert Rev Med Dev 2011;8:581–9.10.1586/erd.11.23Search in Google Scholar PubMed
11. Hanley MA, Jensen MP, Ehde DM, Hoffman AJ, Patterson DR, Robinson LR. Psychosocial predictors of long-term adjustment to lower-limb amputation and phantom limb pain. Disabil Rehabil 2004;26:882–93.10.1080/09638280410001708896Search in Google Scholar PubMed
12. Desmond DM. Coping, affective distress, and psychosocial adjustment among people with traumatic upper limb amputations. J Psychosom Res 2007;62:15–21.10.1016/j.jpsychores.2006.07.027Search in Google Scholar PubMed
13. Ramachandran VS, Rogers-Ramachandran D. Synaesthesia in phantom limbs induced with mirrors. Proc Biol Sci 1996;263:377–86.10.1098/rspb.1996.0058Search in Google Scholar PubMed
14. Bortec-Biomedical. AMT8. URL: http://www.bortec.ca/pages/amt_8.htm. Accessed on April 9, 2013.Search in Google Scholar
15. McAuley E. Psychometric properties of the intrinsic motivation inventory in a competitive sport setting: a confirmatory factor analysis. Res Q Exerc Sport 1968;60:48–58.10.1080/02701367.1989.10607413Search in Google Scholar PubMed
©2014 by De Gruyter
