OpenSim Visualization of the Classification of Finger Movements Based on Electromyography Signal as the Single-Input Variable during Predefined Movements

A classifier is commonly generated for multifunctional prostheses control or also as input devices in human–computer interfaces. The complementary use of the open-access biomechanical simulation software, OpenSim, is demonstrated for the hand-movement classification performance visualization. A classifier was created from a previously captured database, which has 15 finger movements that were acquired during synchronized hand-movement repetitions with an 8-electrode sensor array placed on the forearm; a 92.89% recognition based on a complete movement was obtained. The OpenSim’s upper limb wrist model is employed, with movement in each of the joints of the hand–fingers. Several hand-motion visualizations were then generated, for the ideal hand movements, and for the best and the worst (53.03%) reproduction, to perceive the classification error in a specific task movement. This demonstrates the usefulness of this simulation tool before applying the classifier to a multifunctional prosthesis.