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Muscle Activity Sensing for Prosthesis Control and Human-Computer Interaction

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 2052

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Computer Science, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
Interests: muscle activity; electromyography; pattern recognition; prosthetics

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Guest Editor
Professorship for Measurements and Sensor Technology, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
Interests: bioimpedance; EMG signals; electromyography; myography; prosthetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reliable detection and analysis of muscle contractions are of great importance both for medical purposes and for controlling electronic devices. Hand prostheses, for example, must be able to reliably detect and quantify muscle contractions in real time and control the corresponding mechanics. Real-time capability is also highly important in virtual reality applications. In addition, real-world applications require the monitoring of several muscles or muscle groups, so simultaneous multi-channel analyses are typically desired. This requires complex combinations of novel physiological sensors and signal processing chains. The recording of muscle contractions is typically based on the long-established method of electromyography (EMG), which has been significantly improved in recent years. In addition, there is growing research interest in alternative or complementary methods, such as mechanomyography (MMG), electrical impedance myography (EIM) and optical methods.

This Special Issue will present the latest advances in both instrumentation and signal analysis. Scientists are, therefore, invited to present their new measurement approaches from the field of basic research, new signal processing algorithms or new fields of applications.

Prof. Dr. Roman Kusche
Dr. Rim Barioul
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • electromyography (EMG)
  • muscle activity
  • physiological sensors
  • signal processing
  • prosthesis control
  • human-computer interaction

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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23 pages, 1759 KB  
Systematic Review
Redefining Prosthetic Needs: Insights from Individuals with Upper Limb Loss—A Systematic Review
by Andreia Caldas, Demétrio Matos, Adam de Eyto and Nuno Martins
Sensors 2026, 26(2), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020734 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1530
Abstract
Background: Upper limb loss has a profound impact on individuals’ daily activities, self-image, and social interactions. Despite continuous technological advances in upper-limb prosthetics, high rates of device abandonment persist, highlighting the need to better understand users’ functional and psychosocial needs. Methods: To gain [...] Read more.
Background: Upper limb loss has a profound impact on individuals’ daily activities, self-image, and social interactions. Despite continuous technological advances in upper-limb prosthetics, high rates of device abandonment persist, highlighting the need to better understand users’ functional and psychosocial needs. Methods: To gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives of upper limb amputees and the synthesis of their needs across ergonomic, functional, and psychological dimensions, this study was conducted. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to synthesize user-reported evidence on upper-limb prosthesis use. Articles indexed in the Web of Science database between 2016 and December 2023 were screened using predefined search terms related to upper-limb amputation, prostheses, social impact, and user needs. Studies were included if they reported direct perspectives of upper-limb prosthesis users regarding usability, functionality, and lived experience. Results: Out of 239 papers identified, 31 were included and analyzed. The findings reveal that functional performance, comfort, weight, intuitive control, and reliability are strongly interconnected with psychosocial factors such as confidence, embodiment, social participation, and acceptance. Technological advances have not consistently translated into improved alignment between prosthetic solutions and user needs, which is reflected in continued dissatisfaction and abandonment. Conclusions: This review provides a structured synthesis of user-reported needs across functional, ergonomic, and psychosocial dimensions, translating these insights into design-relevant guidelines. Emphasizing a user-centered and interdisciplinary perspective, the findings aim to support the development of upper-limb prosthetic devices that are more usable, acceptable, and aligned with users’ expectations, ultimately bridging the gap between user expectations and technological capabilities and promoting long-term adoption and quality of life. Full article
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