Torque estimation based on surface electromyography: Potential tool for knee rehabilitation

Introduction: Multiple signal processing studies have reported the application of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals in robotics and motor rehabilitation processes. Objective: To conduct a literature review on the use of sEMG signals as an alternative method for knee torque estimation in order to objectively measure the progress of patients at different stages of knee injury rehabilitation. Materials and methods: A literature review of studies published between 1986 and 2018, without geographical limits, was carried out in the Engineering Village, IEEE Xplore, Science-Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases by combining 8 search terms. Results: After completing the initial search, 355 records were retrieved. Duplicated publica-tions were eliminated, and 308 articles were analyzed to determine if they met the inclusion criteria. Finally, 18 studies describing, in a comparative way, how to estimate torque based on sEMG signals were included. Conclusion: The use of sEMG signals to calculate joint torque is an alternative method that allows therapists to obtain quantitative parameters and assess the progress of patients un-dergoing knee rehabilitation processes.