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Dimitar Stefanov
Recapping
•Size principle of recruitment of motor units:
•The size of the newly recruited motor unit increases with
the tension level at which it is recruited
• (The smallest unit is recruited first and the largest unit is
recruited last).
where:
T is the contraction time for which the tension reaches its maximum value
F0 is a constant (depends on the characteristics of the motor unit)
F(t) – mechanical response of the motor unit to this impulse
T is the contraction time for which the tension reaches its maximum value
F0 is a constant (depends on the characteristics of the motor unit)
Turn-on time!
Turn-off
time!
(200ms)
(300ms)
Muscle modeling
Muscle simulations are used to predict tensions.
The muscle is presented as a configuration of contractive component plus linear
and nonlinear elastic components, which characteristics are well known.
The mechanical behavior of the model is similar to the muscle behavior.
where:
V – potential at the point electrode
m – magnitude of the depolarization wave
K- constant
W – solid angle subtended at the electrode by the wavefront area
Depolarization process
• quite rapid process
• The leading edge of the wavefront is quite sharp
• The magnitude of the m.a.p – quite big.
Repolarization process
• quite comparatively slow process
• The leading edge of the wavefront is not sharp
• The magnitude of the m.a.p – quite small.
EMG electrodes
Two groups of electrodes:
1. indwelling (intramuscular) electrodes.
2. surface electrodes – non-invasive recordings
Indwelling electrodes
Concentric
electrode
Wire electrodes
Fine electrodes with about the diameter of human hairs.
Hypodermic needle is used to insert the wire electrode.
Microelectrodes
Capillary glass microelectrode
Insulated metal
microelectrode
Solid-state
multisite recording
microelectrode
Surface electrodes – consist of disk of metal , attached to the skin,
usually above the place where the muscle is located. Silver/silver chloride
disks; about 1cm diameter.
I. Isometric contractions
Experiment: weights hung over pulley to act against the elbow flexors
in isometric contractions ; skin electrodes over the elbow flexor.
Results: Linear dependency between rectified EMG output and
isometric tension produced by the muscle generating the EMG.