Estimation of ankle torque by plantar flexor muscles using EMG and ankle angle

Abstract

Estimating the exercise torque of the muscles around the ankle joint is effective in determining the treatment policy of contracture and spasticity. As a method for estimating this exercise torque, a method using an EMG is known. Up to now, a method for estimating the exercise torque with high accuracy by optimizing the integral interval and the proportional gain of the integrated EMG has been proposed. In this study, we propose an algorithm to estimate the exercise torque around the ankle joint by using an EMG and an ankle angle. Here, it is assumed that the exercise torque is generated by the group of plantar flexor such as the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Experimental results show that the estimation accuracy is improved by using not only an EMG but also an ankle angle.