Myoelectric Interfaces and Related Applications: Current State of EMG Signal Processing–A Systematic Review

Abstract

The myoelectric interfaces are being used in rehabilitation technology, assistance and as an input device. This review focuses on an insightful analysis of the data acquisition system of EMG signals from these interfaces. According to applications reported in research articles of the last five years, the properties of the sensors, the number of channels, the pre-processing of the EMG signal, as well as the software and hardware used were identified. This analysis was performed for the following applications: monitoring of muscular activation for rehabilitation, muscle activation plans, and identification of possible pathologies, exoskeletons, electric of wheelchairs, prosthetics control, myoelectric bracelets, handwriting recognition and silent speech recognition. The results presented in this review become a guide of recommendations for the myoelectric signal processing according to the application of the interface. The main developments, degrees of research and open challenges are also presented in this direction.