Xavier Electromyographic Wheelchair Control and Virtual Training

For a variety of individuals, limited hand dexterity yields complications to independently control a power wheelchair. Neurological conditions, including quadriplegia, and traumatic brain injuries can all reduce or eliminate fine motor skills necessary to operate a joystick. For patients with progressive disorders, this acute or chronic progression can affect the hands and limbs at an early stage of the disease. In an effort to extend independence and autonomous mobility, the Xavier system was developed to utilize electromyography signals measured on the temporalis muscles on the face to enable control of a power wheelchair. This study looks to document the human to machine interaction and control scheme as well as discuss the development of a clinical trial protocol to quantify the effectiveness and meaning of the technology on patients. Patient selection in this pilot study was focused on people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in conjunction with Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. A review of the clinical protocol and assessment techniques is joined with a discussion about the role of virtual training via designed vehicle simulation to develop muscle isolation and driving mechanics.