Automatic Estimation of the Number of Muscle Motor Units

Abstract

A manual method of estimating the number of functional motor units within a selected muscle has been implemented as an automatic system. The system has been developed in FORTRAN 77 on a PDP-11/34 minicomputer. This system employs closed loop control of the stimulator, thus eliminating any active role of the operator during the testing. The heuristic decision-making processes required of the operator in the manual method have been analyzed and replaced with a defined algorithm incorporating quantifiable decision criteria. The automated motor unit counting system has been demonstrated using a number of human subjects. The system is suitable for use in a research clinical environment, providing a flexible tool for clinical trials or for further development of the technique.