Evaluation of technical approaches to tele-electromyography via internet protocol networks

An exploratory study was conducted to determine the feasibility and clinical utility of remote electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. A progression of technical approaches was attempted until a workable solution was discovered. An evaluation form was completed for each tele-EMG session to attempt to quantify the clinical utility of tele-EMG. In all, 73 tele-EMG examinations were conducted over 29 months. Improvements in scores of evaluation survey items corresponded with the technical modifications. The final working model involved the use of contemporaneous developments in commercial videoconferencing systems that allowed simultaneous transmission and remote display of video and EMG computer (video graphics array [VGA]) signals. This exploratory study demonstrated a technical solution that met the clinical needs of rehabilitation medicine physicians for remote assessment of EMG and nerve conduction studies.