Surface Electromyography

Reflects on developments in noninvasive electromyography, and includes advances and applications in signal detection, processing and interpretation Addresses EMG imaging technology together with the issue of decomposition of surface EMG Includes advanced single and multi-channel techniques for information extraction from surface EMG signals Presents the analysis and information extraction of surface EMG at various scales, from motor units to the concept of muscle synergies.

Invasive electromyography is a well-established diagnostic tool that has been used for decades by neurologists. Recently, new and alternative devices have increasingly become available that permit diagnosis without the use of needles. This developing area of science and the new tools have not, however, been sufficiently investigated in academic training. Consequently a gap exists between what science is making possible and the competence acquired during graduate studies. This handy volume has the aim of filling this gap by providing the information required by medical practitioners in rehabilitation, sports, and occupational health as well as by rehabilitation therapists, ergonomists, and sport coaches. The techniques that are presented and explained will help in monitoring and recording changes, evaluating the effectiveness of treatments and training, evaluating work stations, and preventing and documenting the evolution of occupational disorders of the neuromuscular system.

This book provides an introduction to the basics of surface electromyography and a detailed atlas for electrode placement.

Surface electromyography (sEMG) represents the electrical activity generated in the muscle fibres in response to the activation provided by the innervation of motor neurons. An sEMG device amplifies, decomposes, and filters the electrical signals that occur during muscle contraction. In this book, Chapter One provides an overview on two decades of sEMG research in swimming and water polo conducted by the Faculty of Sport and Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, both from the University of Porto, Portugal. Chapter Two reviews the clinical use of sEMG in the fields of kinesiology and rehabilitation. Chapter Three examines the use of sEMG signals as a natural control interface. Chapter Four explains the use of SEMG to examine changes in muscular activation that are provoked by orthopedic insoles.

Surface EMG is a popular tool used by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and chiropractors in both assessing and treating a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. This book provides the basics of surface EMG. It addresses such questions as what is EMG? Why use surface EMG? When and how is it used? Featuring a complete Atlas for Electrode Placement, the book introduces electrode placement strategies for various disorders, understanding and interpreting the surface EMG signal, and basic formulations for treatment strategies. Each chapter includes clinical examples to orient the practitioner to surface EMG's potential use.