Development of an Evaluation Method for Controlling Skill of a Myoelectric Control Hand

The aim of this study was to develop a new evaluation method for controlling skill of a myoelectric control hand (MCH). Four amputees who daily used the MCH participated in this study. Measurement of two signals which were needed to control motion of the MCH was made. The two signals were assigned average rectified electromyogram of forearm extensors and flexors, respectively. The values of the signals increased depending on the muscles contraction level. Therapy for using the MCH was done to improve the ability of separate contractions of two muscles. This ability was defined as the skill to control motion of the MCH. The skill in each motion was evaluated by regression coefficient which was calculated by the least squares method. Regression coefficient was in inverse proportion to the skill. The quantitative index of the skill would be provide by developed method, and should be useful for efficient therapy to improve the controlling skill of myoelectric control hand.