Electromyography and Applications Based on the Interpretation of the Electrical Activity Associated with the Depolarization-Repolarization Cycle of the Muscle Fiber Membrane

Teodor Dan Vacarus,Cristina Popescu,Gabriela Bucur,Adrian Moise

doi:10.37358/rc.20.9.8343

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the implementation of a method for data acquisition, processing and interpretation of the electrical activity associated with the muscle fiber membrane, generated as a result of the ionic pumps� action. By using a biofeedback shield (EKG/EMG shield) for differential amplification and analog signal filtering, an Arduino development board for analog to digital conversion and an external processing unit, a series of experiments were carried out. These referred to medical diagnosis and research, human-machine interfaces (control of a robotic joint which could be used for prosthetic limbs or industrial robots, as well as control of the computer � for video games, virtual reality, interaction with other devices), and monitoring and increasing sports performance. Due to its noninvasive characteristics, this technique, known as surface electromyography, proves to play a significant role in areas such as medical research, rehabilitation, ergonomics, sports etc.

Highlights

The fundamental structural unit of the striated muscles is the muscle fiber, which, together with the dendrites and axons of a motor neuron, forms the motor unit which is the smallest functional structure that describes the neuronal control of the muscle contraction process
In order to calculate the voltage across the membrane that results from the contribution of all the monovalent ions that can go through the membrane, we can use the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz (GHK) equation [3, 4]:
This paper provides an accessible approach for studying these signals, aiming to be a starting point for developing more sophisticated devices certified to be used in professional scenarios

Summary

Introduction

The fundamental structural unit of the striated (skeletal) muscles is the muscle fiber, which, together with the dendrites and axons of a motor neuron, forms the motor unit which is the smallest functional structure that describes the neuronal control of the muscle contraction process. The electrical properties of the sarcolemma ( called myolemma - the cell membrane of a striated muscle fiber cell) can be described by means of a semi-permeable membrane model [1]. There is a voltage (a potential difference called the membrane potential, Em) between the two sides of the membrane, generated by an unequal distribution of electrical charges. This difference in the electric potential, which is maintained by physiological processes such as ionic pumps, leads to a buildup of intracellular negative charge relative to the outer surface of the membrane [2].

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