Understanding sEMG

For example, nearly 60% of the studies reviewed by Zaichkowsky and Fuchs (1988) that ex- amined the effect of EMG biofeedback reported positive effects on performance. However,thereviewsof Petruzzello,Landers,and Salazar(1991)andCollins(1995

Electrical Muscle Activity (EMG)

• Striated muscles are innervated by the somatic nervous system.

• This reaction system is therefore also voluntarily controlled.

• In addition, involuntary reactions occur, e.g., in connection with emotional experiences and psychological stress.

• The recording of electrical muscle activity is called electromyography.

• The

Measurement of the electrical activity preceding muscle contraction is called elec- tromyography or EMG. EMG measures (in microvolts) the electrical energy dis- charged by the motor nerve endings signaling a muscle to contract.

Muscle feedback. An electrornyograph (EMG) is used to detect and measure muscle activity. Once detected, the electrical activity of the target muscle, or muscles, is displayed (fed back) to the individual. The individual then tries to modify the EMG signal in the appropriate direction by relaxing tense muscles or activating muscles that are injured

Biofeedback as...

• General relaxation training and stress management strategy

• A targeted technique to influence poor posture, muscular imbalances, and increased muscle tension in specific muscle groups

• Primary goal: Emphasizing self-initiative and self-regulation capabilities, and reducing helplessness, fear of movement, and avoidance or protective

In our research and practice, we use EMG training together with relaxation and imagery. This usually lasts about 20 min, during which the athlete is connected to the EMG feedback system and is able to fulfill the task of controlling EMG level

Want to use EMG to measure when they are doing a sports move right. If they are doing the sports move right, then we want to note down those EMG scores and when they are doing imagery they should be aiming for thos same scores. 

Tennis racket grip with EMG:

• Measure muscle tension when athlete is holding a tennis raquet and when their coach is holding tennis racket to change the grip

Indications in the Motor System

• Tension headaches

• Cervical syndrome

• Temporomandibular dysfunction
  (dysregulation of muscle and jaw functions)

• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

• Back pain

• Urinary and fecal incontinence

• Postural disorders of the musculoskeletal system

• Muscle tics

• Writer’s cramp

• Spastic paralysis

• Neuromuscular rehabilitation in cases of paresis and spinal