• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.650-657
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• 2013

This study uses a muscle activation sensor and elbow joint model to develop an estimation algorithm for human elbow joint torque for use in a human-robot interface. A modular-type MVS (Muscle Volume Sensor) and calibration algorithm are developed to measure the muscle activation signal, which is represented through the normalization of the calibrated signal of the MVS. A Hill-type model is applied to the muscle activation signal and the kinematic model of the muscle can be used to estimate the joint torques. Experiments were performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm by isotonic contraction motion using the KIN-COM$^{(R)}$ equipment at 5, 10, and 15Nm. The algorithm and its feasibility for use as a human-robot interface are verified by comparing the joint load condition and the torque estimated by the algorithm.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers D
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• v.52 no.9
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• pp.560-567
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• 2003

EMG recordings of the electrical activity of muscle have proved to be a valuable tool in studying muscle function and reflex activity. SP(silent period) is elicited by a electrical stimulation on the chin during isometric contraction of jaw muscle. This paper proposes a model of the inhibitory reflex mechanism of jaw muscle after electrical stimulation. The SPs of jaw muscle after a electrical stimulation to the chin were divided into SP1 and SP2. SP1 is produced by the activation of periodontal receptors. The activation of nociceptors contributes to the SP2. As a result, the EMG signal generated by a proposed a model of inhibitory reflex mechanism is similar to real both EMG signal including SP1 and SP2. The present study have shown differences of SP1 and SP2 induced by inhibitory reflex mechanism.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.927-932
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• 2010

Estimation methods of motion intention from bio-signal present challenges in man machine interaction(MMI) to offer user's command to machine without control of any devices. Measurements of meaningful bio-signals that contain the motion intention and motion estimation methods from bio-signal are important issues for accurate and safe interaction. This paper proposes a novel motion estimation sensor based on a geometrical muscle changes, and a motion estimation method using the sensor. For estimation of the motion, we measure the circumference change of the muscle which is proportional to muscle activation level using a flexible piezoelectric cable (pMAS, piezo muscle activation sensor), designed in band type. The pMAS measures variations of the cable band that originate from circumference changes of muscle bundles. Moreover, we estimate the elbow motion by applying the sensor to upper limb with least square method. The proposed sensor and prediction method are simple to use so that they can be used to motion prediction device and methods in rehabilitation and sports fields.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.535-547
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• 2000

Recent findings indicate that mechanical strain (deformation) exerted by the extracellular matrix modulates activation of airway smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, cytoskeletal organization in airway smooth muscle appears to be dynamic, and subject to modulation by receptor activation and mechanical strain. Mechanosensitive modulation of crossbridge activation and cytoskeletal organization may represent intracellular feedback mechanisms that limit the shortening of airway smooth muscle during bronchoconstriction. Recent findings suggest that receptor-mediated signal transduction is the primary target of mechanosensitive modulation. Mechanical strain appears to regulate the number of functional G-proteins and/or phospholipase C enzymes in the cell membrane possibly by membrane trafficking and/or protein translocation. Dense plaques, membrane structures analogous to focal adhesions, appear to be the primary target of cytoskeletal regulation. Mechanical strain and receptor-binding appear to regulate the assembly and phosphorylation of dense plaque proteins in airway smooth muscle cells. Understanding these mechanisms may reveal new pharmacological targets for control1ing airway resistance in airway diseases.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers D
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.112-119
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• 2003

This paper proposes a model of SP(silent period) generation in masseter muscle by means of computer simulation. The model is based on the anatomical and physiological properties of trigeminal nervous system. In determining the SP generation pathway, evoked SPs of masseter muscle after mechanical stimulation to the chin are divided into normal and abnormal group. Normal SP is produced by the activation of mechanoreceptors in periodontal ligament. The activation of nociceptors contributes to the latter part of normal SP, abnormal extended SP is produced. As a result, the EMG signal generated by a proposed SP generation model is similar to both real EMG signal including normal SP and abnormal extended SP with TMJ patients. The result of this study have shown differences of SP generation mechanism between subjects both with and without TMJ dysfunction.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.1195-1201
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• 2018

This paper interprets the relationship between the physical activity of the human and the signal of the brain to show the meaningful results in the process of sending and receiving information to the connected muscles. When a person works or thinks, a specific brain signal is generated from the brain and being trasmmited to the connected part. The EMG signal, which has muscle activity information, outputs the result of the muscle activation as an electrical signal, which outputs muscle activity information usually due to muscle contraction and relaxation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the two signals, which are difficult to identify easily by visual data extraction and data acquisition by extracting such EMG and EMG in real time.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.43-50
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• 2004

This study was designed to determine the effects of different widths in the base of support (BOS) on trunk and lower extremity muscle activation during upper extremity exercise. Twenty-seven healthy male subjects volunteered for this study. Exercises were performed for a total of 10 trials with a load of 10 repetitions maximum (10 RM) for each of the various widths of BOS (10 cm, 32 cm, 45 cm). The width of a BOS is the distance between each medial malleoli when a subject was in a comfortable standing position. Electromyography was used to determine muscle activation. Surface bipolar electrodes were applied over the tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, upper rectus abdominis, and elector spinae muscle. Electromyographic (EMG) root mean square (RMS) signal intensity was normalized to 5 seconds of EMG obtained with a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The data were analyzed by atwo-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated-measures ($3{\times}7$) and Bonferroni post hoc test. The results were as follows: (1) There were significant differences in the width of the BOS (p=.006). (2) The post hoc test showed significant differences with the BOS between 10 cm and 32 cm, between 10 cm and 45 cm and between 32 cm and 35 cm (p=.008, p=.003, p=.011). (3) There was no interaction with the BOS and muscle. (p=.438) There were no significant differences in the muscle activation (p=.215).

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.96-103
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of applied pressure to abdomen on lumbar and abdominal muscle activation during upper limb exercise. The experimental group consisted of twenty-seven healthy male subjects (mean age=$22.40{\pm}2.19years$, mean height=$175.30{\pm}2.19cm$, mean weight= $67.67{\pm}7.44kg$, RM=$8.43{\pm}2.76kg$). In each different pressure condition (OmmHg, 30mmHg, 70mmHg, 100mmHg), upper limb exercise was performed in total of 10 trials with 10 RM dumb-bell exercise. Lumbar and abdominal muscle activity was measured using surface bipolar electrode electromyography(EMG). EMG activity was measured from upper rectus abdominis, external oblique abdominis, internal oblique abdominis, and elector spinae. The raw EMG signal was processed into the root mean square(RMS). All RMS EMG data were normalized and express as a percentage of the EMG(%EMG). Collected data were statistically analyzed by SPSS/PC Ver 10.0 using two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures($4{\pm}3$) and Bonferroni post hoc, test. Lumbar and abdominal muscle activation was significantly increased when 100 mmHg was applied(p<.05). Upper rectus abdominis activation was significantly increased compared as other muscles activation(p<.05). However, there were no interaction between pressure and muscles(p>.05). The findings of this study can be used as a fundamental data when lumbar orthosis is applied and external pressure can be used as a therapeutic tool.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.357-364
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• 2010

This study proposes a lower-limb exoskeleton system that is controlled by a wearer's muscle activity. This system is designed by following procedure. First, analyze the muscle activation patterns of human leg while walking. Second, select the adequate actuator to support the human walking based on calculation of required force of knee joint for step walking. Third, unit type knee and ankle orthotics are integrated with selected actuator. Finally, using this knee-assistive system (KAS) and developed muscle stiffness sensors (MSS), the muscle activity pattern of the subject is analyzed while he is walking on the stair. This study proposes an operating algorithm of KAS based on command signal of MSS which is generated by motion intent of human. A healthy and normal subject walked while wearing the developed powered-knee exoskeleton on his/her knees, and measured effectively assisted plantar flexor strength of the subject's knees and those neighboring muscles. Finally, capabilities and feasibility of the KAS are evaluated by testing the adapted motor pattern and the EMG signal variance while walking with exoskeleton. These results shows that developed exoskeleton which controlled by muscle activity could help human's walking acceptably.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.76-81
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• 2007

The effect of either low or high intensity four weeks exercise treadmill running on the activation of the extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) pathways was determined in rat tibialis muscle. Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three groups: (i) sedentary group(NE; n=10); (ii) low intensity exercise group (8m/min; LIE; n=10); and (iii) high intensity exercise group(28m/min; HIE; n=10). The training regimens were planned so that animals covered the same distance and had similar glycogenutilization for both LIE and HIE exercise sessions. After four weeks exercise, 48 h after the last exercise bout obtained samples. pERK1 increased 1.5 times comparing with the sedentary group in the low intensity group while it increased 11.7 times in high intensity group, in the tibialis of rats. In the low intensity group, pERK2 increased 1.4 times comparing with the sedentary group while it increased 3.3 times in high intensity group. While pJNK1 decreased 0.9 times, comparing with the sedentary group, pJNK2 was increased to 0.5 times in the low intensity group. But in high intensity group, pJNK2 decreased 0.7 times while pJNK1 didn't show any change. In conclusion, Four weeks exercise of different intensities results in tibialis muscle activation of intracellular signal pathways, which may be one mechanism regulating specific adaptations induced by different exercise intensities.