Convolutional Neural Network Approach for Elbow Torque Estimation during Quasi-dynamic and Dynamic Contractions

Accurate torque estimation during dynamic conditions is challenging, yet an important problem for many applications such as robotics, prosthesis control, and clinical diagnostics. Our objective is to accurately estimate the torque generated at the elbow during flexion and extension, under quasi-dynamic and dynamic conditions. High-density surface electromyogram (HD-EMG) signals, acquired from the long head and short head of biceps brachii, brachioradialis, and triceps brachii of five participants are used to estimate the torque generated at the elbow, using a convolutional neural network (CNN). We hypothesise that incorporating the mechanical information recorded by the biodex machine, i.e., position and velocity, can improve the model performance. To investigate the effects of the added data modalities on the model accuracy, models are constructed that combine EMG and position, as well as EMG with both position and velocity. R-2 values are improved by 235%, 37.50%, and 16.67%, when position and EMG are used as inputs to the CNN models, for isotonic, isokinetic, and dynamic cases, respectively compared to using only EMG. The model performances improves further by 2.29%, 12.12%, and 20.50% for isotonic, isokinetic, and dynamic conditions, when velocity is added with the EMG and position data.