FEASIBILITY OF FORCE SENSING RESISTOR (FSR) TO MEASURE UPPER LIMB ACTIVITY

Abstract

This study explores the feasibility of using Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) sensors as a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative to electromyography (EMG) for detecting muscle activation in the upper limbs. While EMG is a widely used technique for measuring muscle activity, it suffers from several limitations, including susceptibility to motion artifacts, variability due to electrode placement, and discomfort associated with invasive intramuscular recordings. These challenges hinder its practicality for real-time, wearable, or long-term applications in rehabilitation, prosthetics, and biomechanical monitoring. In response, this work investigates the potential of FSR sensors, which detect changes in applied force, to offer a simpler and more robust solution. FSRs were placed on the forearm to record sensor output during controlled gripping tasks. The data showed a clear increase in FSR signal during muscle contraction (grip phase) and a corresponding decrease during relaxation (release phase), reflecting the mechanical force generated by the muscles. These results suggest that FSRs can serve as reliable indicators of muscle activity, supporting their integration into future low-cost, user-friendly systems for clinical and biomechanical use.