Help Building biofeedback for muscle sensor / EMG with arduino

Thread Starter

stregoi

Joined Jun 12, 2014
9
Hi hope someone can help me achieving this build, i am a newbee in electronics.

I am working with a research project in my hospital department, where i have to monitor the back muscle activity in scoliosis patients.
I have to record the EMG activity 4 different places ( 4 electrodes/channels), for 24h for like a whole week.

I have in mind to use an Arduino ( as small as possible ), some electrodes, and somekind of external storage, an SD card maybe.

i have been looking around in the internet but almost all projects involving EMG sensors are single channel and not storing in a card.

So please any advice on how i can approach the project ?, what will i need and eventually some suggestions about what i am intending to do.

Any help will be appreciated.
 

Papabravo

Joined Feb 24, 2006
21,158
I would be very careful with anything attached to a patient. If not FDA certified you could be in a whole heap-o-lot of trouble.
I would start with four single channel sensors if that is all you have. What kind of interface do these sensors provide? Can you provide a link to a datasheet?

This link might help. Note the use of 9V batteries, an important safety precaution.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Muscle-EMG-Sensor-for-a-Microcontroller/
 

#12

Joined Nov 30, 2010
18,224
I don't see how a 5 volt sensor array can hurt anybody, but a lawyer probably can. Be sure to get FDA approval BEFORE you design it.:rolleyes:
 

Papabravo

Joined Feb 24, 2006
21,158
I don't see how a 5 volt sensor array can hurt anybody, but a lawyer probably can. Be sure to get FDA approval BEFORE you design it.:rolleyes:
I worked with machines attached to patients and the FDA process is both meticulous and rigorous. Battery operation gives a significant advantage until there is an oxygen tent involved and then there is a whole other protocol.
 

#12

Joined Nov 30, 2010
18,224
I have to record the EMG activity 4 different places ( 4 electrodes/channels), for 24h for like a whole week.
I assumed this meant the subject wouldn't be in an oxygen tent and the machine would use batteries. Maybe I was wrong.:oops:
 

Papabravo

Joined Feb 24, 2006
21,158
I assumed this meant the subject wouldn't be in an oxygen tent and the machine would use batteries. Maybe I was wrong.:oops:
I did not assume battery operation, but since the probes are required to pierce the skin I think it would be advisable. Many non-invasive instruments use AC supplies compatible with hospital outlets that limit leakage current and other things. Blood pressure and respirators are two examples.
 

Thread Starter

stregoi

Joined Jun 12, 2014
9
Thanks for the answers guys .. sure i will apply for approval before starting my project, i have to be sure that i can make the thing though. i was thinking about using Myoware as the EMG sensor. is it a good idea ?
but connecting 4 of myowares + SD card reader + arduino, is my issue .. and/Or is it enough ? is their a smarter wahy to do that ?
 
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