Single fiber macro versus concentric trigger macro EMG: a comparison of methods

The values obtained from two different macro EMG methods were compared, and found to be different. Normally, macro electromyography (EMG) is performed with a modified single fiber (SF) needle using the SF potential as a trigger; a new method recommends a modified concentric needle and triggers on the concentric EMG signal. The concentric macro EMG has a 40% to 50% smaller amplitude and area values than data obtained with a SF macro EMG needle. The different values are the result of variant spatial relationships of the respective needles to the motor unit under study, and may be due to a recruitment-dependent bias resulting from different trigger properties of the two methods. The concentric macro EMG needle can be used to estimate motor unit size, to scan the unit, and to investigate its different concentric EMG signals.