Reproducibility of surface EMG variables and peak torque during three sets of ten dynamic contractions

Abstract

The interpretation of the electromyogram (EMG) of dynamic contractions might be difficult because the movement per se introduces additional factors that could affect its characteristics. There is a lack of studies concerning the reproducibility of surface EMG registrations during dynamic contractions. The aim was to investigate the during-the-day reproducibility (using intra-class correlation; ICC) of the peak torque (PT) and the EMG variables (without removing the electrodes) of dynamic contractions. Ten healthy subjects performed three sets of 10 dynamic maximum right-knee extensions with a one-hour interval in between, using an isokinetic dynamometer and the PT was determined. EMG signals were recorded from the right vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles using surface electrodes and the mean frequency of the power spectrum (MNF [Hz]) and the signal amplitude (RMS [μV]), were computed. The ability to relax in-between the maximum extensions was calculated as a ratio of the RMS during the passive flexion phase and the RMS during the active extension phase of each contraction cycle: the signal amplitude ratio (SAR). Both PT (ICC=0.99) and RMS (ICC=0.83–0.98) had good reproducibility. The reproducibility of MNF was good for all muscles when the mean of contraction nos.: 1–10 was used. Vastus lateralis had the highest ICC among the three muscles. The reproducibility of SAR was generally poor (ICC<0.60). The present study showed good reproducibility for common EMG variables (MNF and RMS) obtained during maximum isokinetic contractions.