Low cost electromyogram and electrical muscle stimulator

Abstract

Muscular system function could be ffected by neurological disorders such as cerebral strokes, injuries and neurological disorders. Healthcare experts usually relay on their experience to diagnose and recommend a specific treatment. However, there exist technological devices capable to measure the electrical activity in the muscle improving the diagnostic; also there exist devices capable to aid on the rehabilitation of the muscle known as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators. Nevertheless, these devices are only available on laboratories or well-equipped clinics due mainly to the relatively expensive cost. This manuscript presents a low-cost device capable not only to measure the electromyographic activity but also is capable to stimulate the muscles in order to improve the rehabilitation of the muscle. Data could be visualized on a generic computer using the sound card as a data acquisition. This paper presents the development of such devices and preliminary results.