Interactive Teaching Tools for Beginners: Learn Electromyography (EMG)

Dr. Jennifer Martay (Anglia Ruskin University, UK) designs simple, interactive tools to introduce the basics of EMG

As Professor Carlo De Luca stated, “to its detriment, electromyography is too easy to use and consequently too easy to abuse.” (The Use of Surface Electromyography in Biomechanics, 1997). So, how can we rectify this? Education. Through learning and appreciating factors and concepts behind the application of electromyography (EMG), we can better guide our use of technology and further the exploration of neural control.

A key step for understanding the application of EMG is to explore the fundamental constructs that govern signal acquisition, processing and analysis. Dr. Jennifer Martay (Anglia Ruskin University, UK) and Dr. Hugo Martay have created interactive tools to introduce the basics of EMG data acquisition and analysis.

EMG Data Acquisition tool: http://www.articlesbyaphysicist.com/muscle_emg.html.

EMG Data Analysis tool: http://www.articlesbyaphysicist.com/emg_waves.html.

The simulation tool allows for initial users to further visualize how the EMG trace is created from the action potential that propagates the muscle fibres. Further factors influence the recorded EMG signal. The roles of intrinsic and extrinsic factors can be further explored in the relevant research paper: https://delsys.com/downloads/TUTORIAL/the-use-of-semg-in-biomechanics.pdf.

About Dr Jennifer Martay

Dr. Martay is a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University. Her background is in orthopedics, clinical and sports biomechanics. She’s interested in how healthy people move in everyday and sports activities, as well as potential mechanical factors which might cause diseases such as osteoarthritis.

ARU Profile: https://aru.ac.uk/people/jennifer-martay.