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A model for myoelectric signal generation

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Abstract

A myoelectric signal, under isometric contraction of the muscle, is modelled as the output of a linear time-invariant system whose input is a stationary Poisson pulse train. The mean frequency γ of the Poisson pulse train and the transfer function of the linear system are evaluated using the spectral properties of the signal. An estimate of the number of active motor unitsN contributing to the myoelectric signal is obtained under the assumption that the individual motor-unit trains are statistically independent. The variation of γ andN with respect to load levels and electrode positions is examined experimentally.

Sommaire

Un signal myoélectrique provoqué par une contraction isométrique du muscle se présente sous la forme d'une sortie d'un système linéaire à invariant de temps dont l'entrée consiste en un train stationnaire d'impulsions Poisson. La fréquence moyenne γ du train d'impulsions Poisson ainsi que la fonction de transfert du système linéaire sont évaluées d'après les caractéristiques spectrales du signal. Une évaluation du nombre d'unités motrices activesN est obtenue dans l'hypothèse que les trains d'unités motrices individuels sont statistiquement indépendents. La variation de γ et deN en fonction des niveaux de charge et des positions des électrodes fait l'objet d'une étude expérimentale.

Zusammenfassung

Ein mycelektrisches Signal bei isometrischer Muskelkontraktion wird als der Ausgang eines linearen zeit-invarianten Systems beschrieben, dessen Eingang eine stationäre Reihe von Poissonpulsen ist. Die mittlere Frequenz γ der Poissonpulsreihe und die Übertragungsfunktion des linearen Systems werden aus den spektralen Eigenschaften des Signals bestimmt. Eine Abschätzung der Anzahl der aktiven motorischen EinheitenN, die zu dem myoelektrischen Signal biitragen, wird unter der Annahme, dass die einzelnen motorischen Einheiten statistisch unabhängig sind, erhalten. Die Änderung von γ undN hinsichtlich der Belastung und der Elektrodenposition wird experimentell untersucht.

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Brody, G., Scott, R.N. & Balasubramanian, R. A model for myoelectric signal generation. Med. & biol. Engng. 12, 29–41 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02629832

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