Experiment Protocol

Identification of Activation Dynamics in Human Ankle Muscles During Isomatric Contraction

Purpose:

This experiment is designed to study the relationship between EMG and torque in the ankle muscles of normal human subjects during isometric contraction.

Description:

1. The fibre-glass cast and the experimental apparatus are the same as described in the consent form;
2. Subjects are provided with an oscilloscope displaying both of a sequence command and the torque around their ankle. Subjects may be asked to track the command signal by modulating the activity of their ankle muscles; in other works, to do their best to make the feed-back torque line matching the command signal both of which being shown on the oscilloscope. All the tracking maneuvers are isometric ones without any perturbation and ankle movement. Each tracking trial lasts for up to 40 seconds; and the rest period between trials is about 2 minutes;
3. The changing rate and the modulation level of the binary sequence command are all set at a level that enables the subjects to track without discomfort;
4. The ankle position at which the subject makes the contraction and changing rate or the modulation level of the command may be changed from trial to trial, however, ankle position changes within the pre-detected range of motion.
5. Signals being monitored are EMGs from tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius/soleus, as well as the position and torque of the ankle;
6. Usually, the experiment lasts for less than 80 minutes but before which about 30 to 40 minutes in preparation may be needed.
7. Subject may ask for a rest or withdraw from the experiment at any time.

Notes:

1. Suggestions and volunteers are welcomed!
2. Helen Qiao is responsible for modifying and arranging this experiment.

Last Modified by helen on March 16, 95