ELECTROMYOGRAM

Amit Sethi
Pre-doc Rehab Sciences,
MS OTR/L
 INTRODUCTION
• Electromyogram (EMG) is a technique for
evaluating and recording the activation
signal of muscles.
• EMG is performed by an
electromyograph, which records an
electromyogram.
• Electromyograph detects the electrical
potential generated by muscle cells
when these cells contract and relax.
 INTRODUCTION Contd.

EMG Apparatus Muscle Structure/EMG

 ELECTRICAL
CHARACTERITICS
• The electrical source is the muscle
membrane potential of about -70mV.
• Measured EMG potentials range between
< 50 μV up to 20 to 30 mV, depending on
the muscle under observation.
• Typical repetition rate of muscle unit
firing is about 7-20 Hz.
• Damage to motor units can be expected
at ranges between 450 and 780 mV
 ELECTRODE TYPES
Types:
Intramuscular -
Needle Electrodes

Extramuscular - Surface
Electrodes
 EMG PROCEDURE
Procedure:
• Clean the site of application of electrode;
• Insert needle/place surface electrodes at
muscle belly;
• Record muscle activity at rest;
• Record muscle activity upon voluntary
contraction of the muscle.
 APPLICATION OF EMG
• EMG can be used for diagnosis of
Neurogenic or Myogenic Diseases.

• You tube link of EMG

 BIOMECHANICS
• Biomechanics is the research and analysis of the
mechanics of living organisms.

• KINEMATICS – The branch of Biomechanics

concerned with describing the motion of bodies.

• KINETICS- The branch of biomechanics concerned

with explaining the causes of body motions.
 KINEMATICS Contd.
 Data is usually collected
with Motion Capture
Devices over a specific
time period.
 VICON
 Motion Analysis
Corporation
 Qualysis

Typical Set up of Motion Analysis Lab

Motion Analysis Video 1
Motion Analysis Video 2
 ELECTROMYOGRAPHY
(EMG)
• A technique to detect
changes in the electric
potential.
• Associated with activation
of muscle force using a
combination of electrodes,
amplifiers, and signal
recorders.
 EMG Contd.
• Muscle Signals are
Analog in nature.

• EMG signals are

Analog Signal
also collected over
a specific period of
time.
 EMG Contd.

EMG processing:
Signal pick up Amplification
& Filtering

Computer Conversion of Analog

signals to Digital signals
 APPLICATION OF
BIOMECHANICS
• Data Analysis (Sample Excel Sheet)
• Diagnosis

Ankle Dorsiflexors Activity Ankle Dorsiflexors Activity

(Healthy Individual) (Patient with foot drop)
 COMMENTS/
QUESTIONS ???