Real-time Detection of the Functional State of Orbicularis Oculi Muscle

Objective To investigate the way to identify the function state of the orbicularis oculi muscle at the unaffected side in real-time based on the restoration of eye-closing function on facial paralysis patients by functional neuromuscular stimulation(FNS)way.The signals of the functional activities at the unaffected side are designed to be used as the control signals for functional electrical stimulations on the affected side.Methods The electromyogram of a dog's orbicularis oculi muscle was extracted with implanted micro-electrodes.The difference of electromyographic activities during different functional states was investigated to establish a way for real-time identification of functional states.Results Compared with the signals during relaxation,the eletromyographic signals of orbicularis oculi muscle during contraction became significantly larger at amplitude.Based on it,the real-time analysis was worked out in an amplitude threshold method with delayed decision.The contracting activities of the orbicularis oculi muscle were identified nearly simultaneously to the occurrence of eye-blinking events.Conclusion The functional states of the orbicularis oculi muscle can be monitored with real-time analysis of electromyographic signals.It means that the occurrence of eye closing events can be monitored.