Investigation of motor unit behavior in exercise and sports physiology: challenges and perspectives

Several methods are in use to record and analyze neuronal activation, each with specific advantages and challenges. New developments like the decomposition of high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) have enabled novel insights into discharge characteristics noninvasively in laboratory settings but face certain challenges to be applied in sports physiology in a broader scope. Several challenges can be accounted for by methodological considerations, others require further technological developments to allow this technology to be used in more applied settings. This paper aims to describe the developments of surface electromyography and identify the challenges and perspectives of HDsEMG in the context of an application in sports physiology. We further discuss methodological possibilities to overcome some of the challenges to investigate specific research questions and identify areas that require further advancements.