Impact of vibration and stochastic resonance electrical stimulation on muscle contraction

Abstract

Motivated by possible applications in pain management and improved prognosis, this study looks into the different methods of potential intervention methods to reduce joint contact forces in the upper and lower extremities. This research looks at both vibration and stochastic resonance electrical stimulation as intervention methods. To avoid invasive procedures, a custom torque sensor measurement device and electromyography (EMG) measurements were used as surrogates for joint contact forces. A preliminary study with 6 male research participants age 18-30 was completed to determine the reliability of EMG measurements when vibration was introduced through a custom vibration sleeve. These tests were analyzed in both frequency and time domain and statistical analysis was used to determine if the presence of vibration caused any change in muscle activity. The second and third studies looked at the effects of vibration and stochastic resonance electrical stimulation on muscle force. In these studies, torque sensor measurements were used as surrogates for joint contact forces. This study was tested on 20 research participants age 18-30 (10 males and 10 females). These tests were statistically analyzed to determine how the muscle forces would be affected. These studies will collectively be used to advance research of the different components of creating a wearable rehabilitation device that could reduce the impacts of knee Osteoarthritis.