Integration of surface electromyographic sensors with the transfemoral amputee socket: a comparison of four differing configurations.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In recent years, there has been an increased interest in recording high-quality electromyographic signals from within the sockets of lower-limb amputees. However, successful recording presents major challenges to both researchers and clinicians. This article details and compares four prototypical integrated socket-sensor designs used to record electromyographic signals from within the sockets of transfemoral amputees. TECHNIQUE: Four prototypical socket-sensor configurations were constructed and tested on a single transfemoral amputee asked to perform sitting/standing, stair ascent/descent, and level ground walking. The number of large-amplitude motion artifacts generated using each prototype was quantified, the amount of skin irritation documented, and the comfort level of each assembly subjectively assessed by the amputee subject. DISCUSSION: Of the four configurations tested, the combination of a suction socket with integrated wireless surface electrodes generated the lowest number of large-amplitude motion artifacts, the least visible skin irritation, and was judged to be most comfortable by the amputee subject. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The collection of high-quality electromyographic signals from an amputee's residual limb while maximizing patient comfort holds substantial potential to enhance neuromuscular clinical assessment and as a method of intuitive control of powered lower-limb prostheses. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.