Motor task planning for neuromuscular function tests using an individual muscle control technique

A functionality test at the level of individual muscles may be effective for neuromuscular function tests. This paper proposes a novel computational method for neuromuscular function test planning using an individual muscle force control technique assisted by a rehabilitation robot. The algorithm will systematically compute an adequate amount and direction of force that a subject needs to exert, e.g., by his/her hand, to induce a desired muscle activation pattern of target muscle forces. A wearable robot with actuators (an exoskeleton robot, or a power-assisting device) is utilized to assist/resist the subject's joint torques. This paper presents a basic concept and preliminary simulation results. The simulation results justify the use of the wearable actuators in terms of the accuracy of muscle-level control during planned motor tasks.