Motor Unit Tracking Using High Density Surface Electromyography (HDsEMG) . Automated Correction of Electrode
I Gligorijević1, B T H M Sleutjes, M De Vos
1Ivan Gligorijević, Ph.D., Faculty of Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), Division SCD/SISTA, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 10 postbus 2440, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium,
Methods of Information in Medicine
|November 27, 2014
Summary
This study introduces an automated method to correct electrode grid shifts in high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) recordings. This technique enables reliable motor unit tracking across multiple measurements, improving data analysis for muscle activity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Surface electromyography (sEMG) is crucial for analyzing muscle activity.
- High-density electrode arrays (HDsEMG) provide detailed muscle signal data.
- Electrode displacement during serial measurements complicates motor unit analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an automated technique for correcting electrode grid displacement in HDsEMG.
- To enable automated motor unit tracking across different measurement sessions.
- To improve the reliability of motor unit signature matching.
Main Methods:
- Voluntary muscle contractions were recorded using HDsEMG on healthy individuals.
- Electrode grid displacements (translational and rotational) were mimicked and measured.
- A projection-based method was developed to account for displacements and match motor unit action potentials.
Main Results:
- Automated correction of motor unit action potentials was demonstrated, even with large angular displacements.
- Successful automated tracking of motor units across trials with small displacements was achieved.
- 10-15% of identified motor units were successfully tracked across measurements.
Conclusions:
- This proof-of-concept study validates an automated correction method for HDsEMG.
- The technique enhances the identification of motor unit action potentials across serial measurements.
- Automated motor unit tracking shows significant potential for improving sEMG analysis, especially when precise electrode positioning is challenging.
