Abstract

The increasing number of individuals with limb loss worldwide highlights the need for advancements in prosthetic knee technology. Despite being available for decades, prosthetic knees still face significant challenges, particularly the need for manual user adjustments. Brain–computer communication using motor imagery (MI) offers a promising solution to enhance control and improve quality of life. This seminar presents a novel hybrid control system that combines electromyography (EMG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to improve knee movement control for above-knee amputees. Experiments were conducted with nine healthy male participants, who took part in two sessions: real task execution and imagined task execution using MI. Analysis of simultaneous muscular and hemodynamic signals showed that combining EMG and fNIRS significantly improved classification accuracy compared to using either modality alone. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential of hybrid EMG–fNIRS systems as a promising advancement in prosthetic knee technology.

About the Speaker

Ms. Nouf J. AlQahtani is a Ph.D. (Systems and Control Engineering) Student in the Control and Instrumentation Engineering Department at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, focusing on the integration of advanced control theory with biomedical applications, particularly in neuroengineering and bioinstrumentation. She holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, and is a patent holder, highlighting her dedication to innovation at the intersection of control systems, biosensing, and rehabilitative technologies. Her research focuses on translating human signals into commands to guide and control technologies, with significant work on hybrid electromyography (EMG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) systems for prosthetic knee control. Her interdisciplinary work reflects both scientific expertise and practical impact, contributing to the development of intelligent biomedical devices and enhancing the quality of life through translational engineering.