1.

 Discuss the concept of the sEMG

- Initially, Electromyography is a procedure to assess the health of muscles and the

nerve cells that control the motor neurons of the body. Thus, Surface Electromyography
or sEMG, as its name suggest, it is a non-invasive type of EMG where electrodes are
placed on the skin where the muscle to be examined is located. This technique is used
certainly to detect the electrical impulses manifested by the neuromuscular activities
during muscle contraction.

2. Discuss the specification of technology

- The idea behind these electrodes is that current can flow into the electrode by
electrolytically creating a chemical equilibrium between the skin of the body and the
detecting surface. Surface EMG works with teachnology and electricity, EMG signals are
recorded by placing electrodes close to the muscle groups. When the muscles have
been activated, the length of muscle decreases and the muscle, skin, and electrodes
move move simultaneously to another. At that time, electrodes will show some
movement acquired through its contact to the skin and send it to a computer where
the signal is programmed.

-According to what I have searched through online, Surface EMG is acquired with the
following components combined:

1. Electrodes – used to read muscle activity of an individual.

2. Computer – receives and processes the data sent by electrodes. Also shows
the visual presentation of the movement.

3. Data Logger – transmits data from the electrode to the computer.

4. Reference Electrode – “Ground” wire attached to a bony landmark such as

elbow or collarbone.

3. Discuss the limitations and strength of said technology

Strengths:

 Since Surface EMG provide a non-invasive technique, one of its strength is that
using this device is more simple and easier to use. Since the other types of EMG
such as Needle Electromyography and Fine Wire Electromyography requires strict
medical supervision and certification. The use of sEMG has no needed formalities.
 In terms of uses, primarily Surface EMG are being utilized in motor behavior
examinations, neuromuscular recordings, sports medicine evaluations, and for
participants who object to needle insertions such children. In addition to all of
this, surface EMG is being used more frequently to monitor muscle activity and
control device extensions to produce prosthetics for the people who have lost
limbs due to amputation.

Limitations:

 Though Surface EMG contributes various functions, it still has limitations. Surface
EMG limits its function due to the associated inherent problems with the device
itself. Since, it is not poked into the skin and does not directly contacts muscles,
Adipose Tissue (Fats) can affect the EMG Recordings. There are studies that show
Adipose Tissue to be a blockage to access the active muscles in the body since
those muscles are located below Fats. Thus, it concludes that the accuracy of the
results of Surface EMG depends on the amount of body fats of a human.
Therefore, a high reliability of results is only ensured to individuals who have
lower body fats and more compliant skin such as young people.

 Moreover, another limitation to Surface EMG is that, superficial muscles or

muscles found right below the skin surface interferes the signal to deep muscles.
Deep muscles require intramuscular wires that are intrusive and painful in order
to achieve a more reliable EMG signal. Surface EMG can measure only superficial
muscles and even then it is hard to narrow down the signal to a single muscle
References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/neuromuscular-disease-group/overview/ovc-
20443670#:~:text=Neuromuscular%20diseases%20affect%20the%20function,these%20diseases%20is
%20muscle%20weakness.

https://www.medicinenet.com/surface_emg/definition.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7492208/#:~:text=Surface%20EMG%20can%20be
%20used,see%20section%20Surface%20EMG%20Applications).

https://www.bfe.org/articles/Surface%20Electromyography%20-%20Use,%20Design%20&
%20Technological%20Overview.pdf

https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/40131

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv
%3DvrayBm4TY9w&psig=AOvVaw2_Sq8BfFPxnFDiHcboS5Mt&ust=1678173064175000&source=imag
es&cd=vfe&ved=0CBAQjhxqFwoTCPDc2vzfxv0CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE