Electromyography (EMG) Basics
1. EMG Basics
- Definition and Purpose: Electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles to assess their health and
function.
- Types of EMG: Surface EMG, which uses electrodes on the skin, and Needle EMG, which involves inserting electrodes
into muscle tissue.
- Clinical Applications: Used to diagnose neuromuscular diseases, evaluate nerve function, and assess muscle
response.
2. Recording Techniques
- Equipment and Setup: Requires electrodes, amplifiers, and recording devices to capture muscle activity.
- Electrode Types and Placements: Surface and needle electrodes; correct placement is crucial for accurate data.
- Signal Acquisition and Amplification: Amplification helps in making weak muscle signals detectable and analyzable.
3. Muscles and Localization
- Techniques for Targeting Specific Muscles: Knowledge of anatomy helps in accurately targeting and isolating muscles.
- Common Muscles Studied in EMG: Includes biceps, triceps, quadriceps, and other major muscle groups.
- Anatomical Landmarks: Used as reference points for precise localization.
4. Insertional Activity
- Definition: The brief burst of electrical activity observed when an electrode is inserted into a muscle.
- Clinical Relevance: Normal insertional activity fades quickly; prolonged or increased activity may indicate pathology.
5. Spontaneous Activity
- Types: Includes fibrillation potentials, positive sharp waves, fasciculations, and complex repetitive discharges.
- Interpretation: Indicates muscle or nerve pathology; spontaneous activity is typically abnormal.
6. Motor Units
- Structure and Function: A motor unit consists of a motor neuron and the muscle fibers it innervates.
- Motor Unit Action Potentials (MUAPs): Represents the electrical activity from a motor unit; analyzed for shape, size,
and firing patterns.
- Recruitment Patterns: The activation pattern of motor units, which provides insight into muscle strength and neural
control.
