Surface Electromyography: What Limits Its Use in Exercise and Sport Physiology?

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a valuable tool for analyzing muscle activity during human movement.
• Recent advancements in sEMG techniques offer potential for enhanced insights into exercise physiology and clinical biomechanics.
• Widespread adoption of sEMG in applied fields faces significant translation challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the regular adoption rate of sEMG by professionals in exercise and human movement.
• To identify limitations hindering the routine application of sEMG in exercise physiology and clinical biomechanics.
• To propose corrective interventions for improving sEMG integration into applied practices.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent developments in modern sEMG techniques.
• Evaluation of sEMG's potential use in exercise physiology and clinical biomechanics.
• Cost/benefits analysis of sEMG adoption, considering educational, economic, and technical factors.
• Overview of parameters extractable from sHDEMG signal decomposition.

Main Results:

• Key limitations to sEMG translation include educational deficits, economic constraints, and technical issues.
• Signal decomposition of sEMG provides novel non-invasive methods for assessing neuromuscular system health.
• Advanced sEMG analysis can monitor neuromuscular function changes, predict force development, and link aging to motor performance decline.

Conclusions:

• The primary barrier to sEMG application in practice is rooted in education and teaching challenges.
• Novel sEMG technologies are often not open-source, limiting accessibility and adoption.
• Improved educational strategies and open-source initiatives are crucial for advancing sEMG utilization.