Tutorial. Surface EMG detection in space and time: Best practices

R Merletti; S Muceli

doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2019.102363

Tutorial. Surface EMG detection in space and time: Best practices

J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2019 Dec:49:102363. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2019.102363. Epub 2019 Oct 19.

Authors

R Merletti¹, S Muceli²

Affiliations

¹ LISiN, Dept. of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, Italy. Electronic address: roberto.merletti@formerfaculty.polito.it.
² Division of Signal Processing and Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden; Imperial College, London, UK. Electronic address: muceli@chalmers.se.

PMID: 31665683
DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2019.102363

Abstract

This tutorial is aimed to non-engineers using, or planning to use, surface electromyography (sEMG) as an assessment tool in the prevention, monitoring and rehabilitation fields. Its first purpose is to address the issues related to the origin and nature of the signal and to its detection (electrode size, distance, location) by one-dimensional (bipolar and linear arrays) and two-dimensional (grids) electrode systems while avoiding advanced mathematical, physical or physiological issues. Its second purpose is to outline best practices and provide general guidelines for proper signal detection. Issues related to the electrode-skin interface, signal conditioning and interpretation will be discussed in subsequent tutorials.

Keywords: High Density sEMG; Kinesiologists; Movement scientists; Multichannel array sEMG; Physiotherapists; Teaching; Tutorial; surface EMG.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Electrodes / classification
Electrodes / standards
Electromyography / instrumentation
Electromyography / methods*
Electromyography / standards
Humans
Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
Practice Guidelines as Topic*