EXSS 380 Electromyography Study
Guide.
electromyography - Answer tool used in both research and clinical settings to identify muscle
activity
electromyogram - Answer electrical signal associated with muscle contraction
EMG recording requirements - Answer -electrodes (detects myoelectric signal; function as
transducers)
-amplifier (small amplitude of myoelectric signal requires amplitude to allow for interpretation)
transducers - Answer join circuit for ion flow within muscle and electron flow in recording
equipment
electrode types - Answer 1. surface
2.indwelling
Surface electrode - Answer most common electrode; used or large, superficial muscles; small
metal discs or bars placed on the skin over a muscle
Indwelling electrode - Answer used for microneurography or to isolate specific muscles or
areas of muscles;
-uses needles: need remains in muscle as part of circuit
-uses fine wire: needle used to insert 2 bare wires into muscle
-helpful for EMG of muscle where lots of other muscles are close; but this can be invasive
bipolar electrode configuration - Answer -most common; 2 electrodes at recording site. 1
common reference ground electrode.
Advantages to surface EMG - Answer easily obtained, low cost, lack of subject discomfort
Disadvantages to surface EMG - Answer lack of specificity, potential for crosstalk, electrode
movement within skin.
Guide.
electromyography - Answer tool used in both research and clinical settings to identify muscle
activity
electromyogram - Answer electrical signal associated with muscle contraction
EMG recording requirements - Answer -electrodes (detects myoelectric signal; function as
transducers)
-amplifier (small amplitude of myoelectric signal requires amplitude to allow for interpretation)
transducers - Answer join circuit for ion flow within muscle and electron flow in recording
equipment
electrode types - Answer 1. surface
2.indwelling
Surface electrode - Answer most common electrode; used or large, superficial muscles; small
metal discs or bars placed on the skin over a muscle
Indwelling electrode - Answer used for microneurography or to isolate specific muscles or
areas of muscles;
-uses needles: need remains in muscle as part of circuit
-uses fine wire: needle used to insert 2 bare wires into muscle
-helpful for EMG of muscle where lots of other muscles are close; but this can be invasive
bipolar electrode configuration - Answer -most common; 2 electrodes at recording site. 1
common reference ground electrode.
Advantages to surface EMG - Answer easily obtained, low cost, lack of subject discomfort
Disadvantages to surface EMG - Answer lack of specificity, potential for crosstalk, electrode
movement within skin.
