Surface electromyography: Validation of a low-cost, low-complexity, and open-source sensor

Description de la recherche

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is the most widespread method to measure muscular activity through the variations of tension induced by muscular contractions. However, most of professional sEMG sensors are unaffordable for average therapists. In 2021, a low-cost (around €100) sEMG has been designed by the DRAMCO group at KULeuven. The first results of a validation procedure performed at CeREF will be presented. The validation of a low-cost, low-complexity, and open-source sEMG sensor is part of the

INTERREG FWVL NOMADe project, which aims to develop a cross-border ecosystem of learning, R&D and expertise specialized in the field of neuro-musculo-skeletal disorders. The NOMADe sEMG is compared to a gold-standard Delsys sEMG. NOMADe and Delsys sEMG signals are  ompatible in isometric contractions. In dynamical tasks as walking, both sensors give similar results but a loss of samples has been detected in the NOMADe sEMG. The next improvements will be: To make the sensor wireless (BlueTooth), which may solve the loss of samples; To design a case to shield the sensor against the ambient 50 Hz noise.

Mots-clés : surface electromyography, low-cost sensor, validation, e-health