An EMG biofeedback device for video game use in forearm physiotherapy

While electromyography (EMG) is widely used in experimental physiotherapy (PT), its use as a diagnostic aid and supplementary tool in clinical PT remains limited. We report an integrated, wireless PT system for the forearm, which registers muscle movements via EMG, records and wirelessly transmits the data to a laptop computer, and runs software to discriminate between arm motions. The next step is to interface with a custom video game which responds to user movement and provides real-time biofeedback to the user, allowing them to visualize whether they are performing their PT exercise properly. Our device incorporates existing technologies into a functional ensemble compatible with both at-home and clinical use. Current testing (n=7 subjects) indicates that the sensor is capable of discriminating between 6 classes of PT exercises with 92% accuracy (2 classes with 96% accuracy).