Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3223
Date of Award
12-2025
Degree Name
MS in Biomedical Engineering
Department/Program
Biomedical Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Ben Hawkins
Advisor Department
Biomedical Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
Paralysis due to spinal cord injury is a challenging condition that affects millions of people around the world. The Muscle Impulse Transducer (MIT) is a novel, wearable device that can be used to improve grip strength in the hand by using functional muscle impulses as a trigger for stimulus delivery to weakened or paralyzed nerves, to induce contraction of a paralyzed or paretic muscle. The MIT is still in development, with proof of concept [1], and functional prototypes [2] achieved. In this thesis, research was conducted on the best methods for functional electrical stimulation, EMG data collection, and nerve stimulus delivery. Pre-pilot experiments were performed to collect data in healthy subjects on maximum EMG levels (mV) at different loading levels of the biceps, triceps, and forearm muscles, as well as stimulus threshold currents for device configuration. This pre-pilot work showed maximum EMG values (mV) and current threshold values (mA) in healthy subjects, and showed the variation in different muscles EMG with increased loading, as well as normal values for current threshold. The pre-pilot experiments also provided valuable qualitative information on changes to the data collection assembly for the Pilot study design. The research and pre-pilot experiments conducted contributed the information for the design of a Pilot study in the subjects of interest for the device. The Pilot study is designed to collect data from quadriplegic test subjects to inform decisions about the next generation of the MIT. The data to be collected in the Pilot study as designed are maximum EMG values (mV) during biceps curls completed at different loading levels, threshold and maximum current values (mA) with corresponding thumb contraction force values (N), thumb contraction force (N) for current delivered between threshold current and maximum values, and thumb contraction force (N) and duration (ms) during delivery of one to ten current pulses at threshold, median, and maximum current values. As designed, the Pilot study should provide ample information to determine the superior trigger muscle for the MIT, and the superior method for including step levels to the device function.