Upper-Extremity Neuromuscular Responses during Object Slippage under Varying Slip Kinematics with Prismatic Grasp

Stable object manipulation requires a coordinated movement of the muscles to prevent object slippage. The neuromuscular response during object slippage depends on the characteristics of the slip and, by extension, the factors affecting the slip. It is crucial to understand the effect of complex interactions of slip characteristics on neuromuscular responses. In this study, we thoroughly investigated the effect of slip characteristics on the reflexive and voluntary neuromuscular responses. Our results demonstrate that slip direction predominantly affects the neuromuscular response of forearm muscles (extensor digitorum and extensor carpi ulnaris). We also observed several interactions of slip distance and slip speed in the downward slip direction. The translational outcomes of this research in clinical applications will lead to technological advancements in developing more sophisticated biomechatronic devices for upper limb amputees, as well as rehabilitation technologies for individuals with various neurological disorders, such as stroke and cerebral palsy.