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Volitional Control Research

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Abstract

Technological advances in batteries, actuators, and electronic components have allowed the creation of durable and efficient lower extremity assistive devices. However, providing intuitive and safe control methods is critical to unlocking the capability of these devices, especially those intended to restore mobility for individuals with significant musculoskeletal impairments. Several approaches, ranging from noninvasive to highly invasive, have recently been proposed to help the user voluntarily control assistive devices across a broad range of activities. Most techniques require use of advanced algorithms capable of operating in real time to interpret sensor data (from the device) and/or biological signal data (from the patient). This chapter provides an overview of the diverse methods available for volitional control, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. It is necessary to explore and embrace multiple approaches because no single approach is likely to suit the broad range of user needs and applications from prosthetic leg systems to powered exoskeletons.

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Abbreviations

DBN:

Dynamic Bayesian network

DOF:

Degree of freedom

EMG:

Electromyographic

Hz:

Hertz

LIFEs:

Longitudinal intrafascicular arrays

TMR:

Targeted muscle reinnervation

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Center for Bionic Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA

    Levi Hargrove PhD

Authors
  1. Levi Hargrove PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Levi Hargrove PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, Washington, USA

    Victoria Tepe

  2. Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA

    Charles M. Peterson

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Hargrove, L. (2017). Volitional Control Research. In: Tepe, V., Peterson, C. (eds) Full Stride. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7247-0_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7247-0_8

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-7245-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-7247-0

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