FFLS: an accurate linear device for measuring synergistic finger contractions

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2012:2012:531-4. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2012.6345985.

Abstract

After decades of theoretical study in physiology and neurology communities, the paradigm of muscle synergies is now being explored in rehabilitation robotics as a strategy to control mechanical artifacts with many degrees-of-freedom (DoF) in a simple yet effective and human-like way. In particular, muscle synergies during grasping and in graded-force tasks are of great interest for the control of dexterous hand prostheses. To this end, we have designed and tested a novel device to accurately and simultaneously measure fingertip forces. The device, called FFLS (Finger-Force Linear Sensor), measures the forces applied by the human fingertips in both directions (flexion and extension of index, middle, ring and little finger plus thumb rotation and abduction/adduction). It is suited for several different hand sizes, enforces high accuracy in the measurement and its signal is guaranteed to be linear in a high range of forces (100N in both directions for each finger). It outputs six analog voltages (±10V), suited for processing with a DAQ card.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Finger Joint / physiology
  • Fingers / physiology*
  • Hand Strength / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Movement / physiology
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Young Adult