EMG lab – Biomechanics

The EMG signals from biceps muscles were recorded in four different conditions:

1. No load – subject was asked to perform repeated flexion and extension of the elbow joint
without carrying any weight.
2. 3 kg load – subject was asked to perform repeated flexion and extension of the elbow joint
while holding a 3 kg load in his hand.
3. 4 kg load – subject was asked to perform repeated flexion and extension of the elbow joint
while holding a 4 kg load in his hand.
4. 4 kg load (fatigued) – subject was first asked to hold his arm horizontal in the air for 5 minutes.
Then he was asked to perform repeated flexion and extension of the elbow joint while holding a
4 kg load in his hand.

The figures below show the recorded EMG signals from the experiment. Blue signal is the filtered
original signal that is recorded. The red signal is the rectified original signal. And the green signal is the
envelope of the rectified signal.

No Load 3kg Load

2000 2000
Original Original
Absolute Absolute
1000 Envelope 1000 Envelope
Voltage (uV)

Voltage (uV)

0 0

-1000 -1000

-2000 -2000
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 0 5 10 15
Time (s) Time (s)

4kg Load 4kg Load - Fatigued

2000 2000
Original Original
Absolute Absolute
1000 Envelope 1000 Envelope
Voltage (uV)

Voltage (uV)

0 0

-1000 -1000

-2000 -2000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Time (s) Time (s)