This project was designed and developed in a way that allows people to accurately assess their muscle strength with and without the help of a healthcare provider. The importance of this project is that it provides people who need muscle rehabilitation with an easier way to track progress. This is accomplished via an electromyography (EMG) sensor. An EMG sensor senses the electrical signal sent to the muscles from the brain and quantifies it. The user will attach the EMG sensor and contract their bicep while holding a resistance band. If the person has greater muscle strength the brain will have to “recruit” less muscle fibers and will thus result in a smaller signal on the EMG. However, our final muscle rating score will use higher percentages to designate stronger muscles so that it is more intuitive for the user.
The result of this project proves that the design team has successfully created a prototype for a mobile device that can be deployed in the field or in patient’s homes that can measure muscle and joint strength for use in tracking growth, aging, and disease progression.
- MSP-EXP430FR4133 Breakout Board
- MyoWare 2.0 Muscle Sensor (EMG)
- Surface EMG electrodes
- MyoWare 2.0 Reference Cable
- Electrode Pad Cables
- MyoWare 2.0 LED Shield
- rechargable battery pack (5v == 2.4 A required)