Surface‐Level Muscle Deformation as a Correlate for Joint Torque

• DOI: 10.1002/admt.202400444
• Publication Date: 2024-05-20T01:00:20Z
• Authors: Jonathan T. Alvarez; Ariane de Marcillac; Yichu Jin; Lucas F. Gerez; Oluwaseun A. Araromi; Conor J. Walsh
• Keywords: Ground truth

Abstract Wearable technology excels in estimating kinematic and physiological data, but biological torques remains an open challenge. Deformation of the skin above contracting muscles—surface‐level muscle deformation—has emerged as a promising signal for joint torque estimation. However, lack ground‐truth measures surface‐level deformation has complicated evaluation wearable sensors designed to measure deformation. A non‐contact methodology is proposed measurement using 2D laser profilometer. It shows how three metrics deformation—peak radial displacement: r = 0.94 ± 0.05, surface curvature: 0.78 0.10, strain: 0.83 0.12—correlate strongly changes volitional elbow torque, further exploring impact location or angle on these relationships. nonlinear, lead‐lag relationship between also found. The findings suggest that non‐invasive, real‐time estimates torque. By standardizing measurement, can help inform design future sensors.