A group of scientists at UCT, led by Dr Lester John of the MRC/UCT Medical Imaging Research Unit, is developing an electromyogram controlled hand-finger orthosis that will be used to assist in the rehabilitation of stroke patients experiencing hand-finger muscle flaccidity.
A novel method of acquiring deep muscle EMG using surface electrodes has also been developed and provisionally patented.
This method and device will allow the recording of EMG from deep muscles that were previously only accessible using invasive needle or fine-wire electrodes.
Furthermore, it will allow these deep muscles to be used to control biomechatronic orthoses and prostheses.