Acoustic Myography
DANIEL T. BARRY, MD, PHD, JAMES A. LEONARD, JR., MD,ANDREW GITTER, MD, AND RICHARD D. BALL, MD, PHD*Ann Arbor, Michigan
Skeletal muscle generates sounds that increase in amplitude with increasing contraction force. The recording of these sounds is known as acoustic myography (AMG). AMG offers several advantages over surface electromyography (EMG) as a control signal for a powered prosthesis. These include no need for skin contact, no effect of skin impedence changes, high amplitude output and decreased sensitivity to transducer placement.
A myoacoustically controlled hand has been contracted for under $50.00. Clinical trials have just begun and protocols are being developed for functional assessment of AMG as compared with surface EMG control.
*University of Michigan Hospital, Box 55, 1405 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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