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Related Experiment Videos

Transition from slow to ballistic movement: development of triphasic electromyogram patterns.

J M Brown1, W Gilleard

  • 1Department of Human Movement Science, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.

European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology
|January 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

The triphasic electromyogram (EMG) pattern emerges gradually as movement speed increases. Muscle activation components develop sequentially, becoming distinct bursts at faster movement speeds.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Motor Control
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Muscle activation patterns are crucial for understanding human movement.
  • The triphasic electromyogram (EMG) pattern is a common observation in voluntary movements.
  • Previous research has explored EMG patterns, but the developmental process related to movement speed requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the development of the triphasic electromyogram (EMG) pattern from a single agonist muscle activation pattern.
  • To determine how changes in movement time (tmov) influence the emergence of EMG pattern components.

Main Methods:

  • Six adult women performed elbow extension movements at varying speeds (ballistic to very slow).
  • Surface EMG of the triceps brachii (agonist) and biceps brachii (antagonist) muscles were recorded.

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  • Elbow angle data was collected concurrently using a microcomputer.

    • Main Results:

    • Triphasic EMG patterns systematically developed as movement time decreased from 1000 ms to below 200 ms.
    • At longer movement times, a single agonist activation was observed.
    • As movement time decreased, agonist activation became burst-like, and antagonist and second agonist activations appeared.
    • At the fastest speeds (tmov < 400 ms), the complete triphasic pattern (Ag1-Ant-Ag2) was consistently present.

    Conclusions:

    • The triphasic EMG pattern is not an all-or-none phenomenon but develops progressively with decreasing movement time.
    • Each component of the triphasic pattern emerges sequentially as movement speed increases.
    • This systematic development suggests a continuous adaptation of muscle activation strategies to achieve faster movements.