Computer-based collection and analysis of myoelectric activity of the intestine in horses

Extracellular myoelectric activity from the terminal ileum, cecum, and colonic pelvic flexure was assessed in 4 adult horses. The collection and analysis of myoelectric data involved the development and use of a computer-based system. After collection, the myoelectric signal was digitally filtered to enhance the activity of interest. The smoothed signal was then processed by use of computer programs designed to identify and count spike-burst activity and estimate burst duration. The intense phases of myoelectric complexes also were identified. The propagation of myoelectric spike-burst activity was assessed over 3 electrode sites to identify the propagative patterns of intestinal motility. There was high correlation between the results of computer-based analysis and those of visual analysis. We concluded that the computer provides a fast, accurate, and reliable means of assessing myoelectric activity.