Electromyography

Electromyography

Electromyography (EMG) is an imaging procedure that measures and records the electrical activity of skeletal muscles. It is a useful diagnostic tool that assists physicians and researchers in studying and comprehending the function and health of muscles and the nerves that regulate them.

Electrodes are inserted on or within the muscle during EMG to detect and record electrical signals produced by muscle fibres during contraction and relaxation. These signals provide important information regarding the health, strength, and activity patterns of the muscle.

Types of EMG

  1. Needle EMG: A tiny needle electrode is placed into the muscle of interest during this operation to measure the electrical activity at rest and during voluntary contraction. This enables a more comprehensive evaluation of individual muscle fibres and motor unit activity.
  2. Surface EMG: This method includes placing adhesive surface electrodes on the skin overlaying the muscle to assess the electrical activity of the entire muscle group. Surface EMG is less intrusive than needle EMG and is frequently utilised for muscles that are more superficial or in larger groups.

Applications of EMG

  1. Diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases: EMG is frequently used to diagnose neuromuscular illnesses such as muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and peripheral nerve abnormalities.
  2. Monitoring muscle activity during movement: In biomechanical studies and sports research, EMG is used to measure muscle activity patterns throughout various activities and workouts.
  3. Rehabilitation: EMG can help in the development of personalised rehabilitation programmes for people suffering from muscle injuries or recovering from surgical treatments.

It is crucial to highlight that EMG is only one of several tools used in the diagnosis and evaluation of various illnesses. It is frequently used in conjunction with other tests and clinical assessments to provide a complete picture of a patient’s neuromuscular function. If you believe you may require an EMG or have concerns about the function of your muscles, seek the opinion of a trained medical expert.