An electromyogram to force model for the human elbow derived from surface electromyogram parameters

This thesis describes an electromyogram (EMG)/force model for muscles acting on the human elbow for concentric contractions in flexion and extension. To record the SEMG signal, a multichannel myoelectric differential amplifier and active electrodes were designed and constructed. The recorded SEMG signal and the elbow geometry were used to obtain the model parameters for the force/length and force/velocity characteristics of the muscles studied--the biceps brachii, brachialis and triceps brachii. The EMG/force model was tested for concentric contractions in flexion and extension. The output of the model is the predicted applied force. Force was predicted to within 10% accuracy for most tests.