LABORATORY # 3 Surface Electromyography (sEMG)

Surface Electromyography (sEMG) has a similar nature to ECG, and it can be observed by
modifying an existing ECG amplifier to meet the signal specifications. The typical range of
an sEMG signal is in the order of millivolts, with a frequency content ranging from 5Hz to
250Hz. For easy exchange of clinically measured data, there is a standard procedure for
sEMG sensor placement, as shown in sEMG special note-02. In this lab, you can try placing
the electrodes on your smaller forearm muscles or any other location to measure the sEMG
signal.
Part 1:
To measure sEMG, you need to modify the ECG circuit.
Similar to the calculation of ECG bandpass filter design,
change the requirement from ECG's "0.5Hz to 25Hz" to
EMG's "5Hz to 250Hz." The gain remains the same at
approximately 1000. To record your sEMG signal, set up
your data logger to a sample rate of 500Hz.
Part 2:
To begin the experiment, place a pair of electrodes on
either location 35 or 40, as shown in the figure on the
right. Next, make a fist using the hand without electrodes
and grasp the fist with the other hand that has the
electrodes. Repeatedly perform a grasp and release action
while recording your sEMG signals. Gradually increase
the grasping force and observe any changes in the sEMG
signal. For the lab report, analyze the mean amplitudes
and frequency characteristics of the recorded sEMG
signals.
Lab report: Analyze the mean amplitudes and frequency
characteristics of recorded sEMG signals.
Part 3:
Another use of sEMG is to determine the Muscle Fatigue Index by applying a static load to
the muscle and analyzing the frequency shift of the sEMG signal (refer to page 50 in ABC of
EMG). For this experiment, an adjustable hand gripper with a loading range of 10-40 kg will
be provided. To begin, set two different loadings (loose and tight) and grasp the hand gripper
as hard as possible. Record your sEMG signals under both loadings for at least one minute
each.
Lab report: To analyze the sEMG signals, plot the sEMG spectra as a function of time over
one minute for three different loadings on locations 35 or 40. Calculate the mean or median
frequency in the time interval of 10 seconds for each loading. Analyze the results and draw a
conclusion based on your findings.
Part 4 (real fun part):
Design a sEMG measurement by yourselves targeting any of your body sites (Note: conduct
web search and get some inspiration). Record, analyze, and interpret the signals in your lab
report.