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MyoFit: A new approach to suspension for upper limb myoelectric prostheses

Award Number: R44HD087065
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2017
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2020

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MyoFit: A new approach to suspension for upper limb myoelectric prostheses - The overall goal of our research program is to empower upper limb amputees to be productive and independent. For these individuals, one of the most promising developments in the past decade has been the introduction of fully dexterous terminal devices. However, an effective and intuitive control strategy has remained elusive. Myoelectric control (typically utilizing two surface EMG electrodes) works well for one or two degree-of-freedom devices, but it is not as effective when dealing with a large number of movement classes (such as when attempting to discriminate amongst “hand open”, “index finger point”, “fine pinch”, and so on). Thus significant research has been undertaken on decoding the amputee’s intention using signals from a larger number of surface EMG electrodes – typically eight pairs. However, optimal performance is dependent on highquality surface EMG signal acquisition. Small changes in electrode position or in contact between the electrode and the skin results in significant degradation in system performance. One primary reason is that the design of the standard anatomically suspended prosthesis did not anticipate the evolution of prosthesis technology to include this need for highly stable multichannel surface EMG signal acquisition. Thus there is a need to fundamentally rethink prosthesis design in light of the new opportunity to achieve dexterous control. Specifically, in this Fast Track effort we propose development of the MyoFit system to replace the standard anatomical suspended prosthesis. It includes a roll-on silicone gel liner which is fabricated to incorporate eight flexible surface EMG electrodes. The liner (and by extension the electrodes) interfaces with the socket and frame of the prosthesis via a two-part pin-lock system. The system enables a stable electrode-skin interface, including when the prosthesis is bearing load and when it is being moved to various positions in the workspace. During Phase I we will develop and complete engineering validation of the liner and the lock. In Phase II, we will complete system integration and FDA regulatory clearance. We will also undertake a clinical study to evaluate the functional benefits of the MyoFit system as compared to the standard anatomically suspended prosthesis. It is our ultimate goal for the MyoFit system to enable upper limb amputees to achieve a superior clinical functional outcome.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2021	2018	INFINITE BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC	8 MARKET PL STE 500	BALTIMORE	MD	21202	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	3	1/22/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2018 ( Subtotal = $732,481 )
2018	2018	INFINITE BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC	1101 E 33RD ST STE E305	BALTIMORE	MD	21218	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	002	3	7/11/2018	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$732,481
2018	2017	INFINITE BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC	1101 E 33RD ST STE E305	BALTIMORE	MD	21218	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	001	2	6/13/2018	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$3,926
2018	2016	INFINITE BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC	1101 E 33RD ST STE E305	BALTIMORE	MD	21218	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	6/13/2018	NEW	-$3,926
														Subtotal = $732,481

Issue Date FY: 2017 ( Subtotal = $759,856 )
2017	2017	INFINITE BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC	1101 E 33RD ST STE E305	BALTIMORE	MD	21218	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	2	6/30/2017	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$759,856
														Subtotal = $759,856

Issue Date FY: 2016 ( Subtotal = $223,804 )
2016	2016	INFINITE BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC	2352 Huntington Dr	Pasadena	CA	91108	LOS ANGELES	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	6/6/2016	NEW	$223,804
														Subtotal = $223,804

Grand Total All Awards = $1,716,141

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MyoFit: A new approach to suspension for upper limb myoelectric prostheses

Award Number: R44HD087065

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2017

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2020

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