The effect of high pass filtering and non-linear normalization on the EMG–force relationship during sub-maximal finger exertions

Abstract

Muscle force estimates are important for full understanding of the musculoskeletal system and EMG is a modeling method used to estimate muscle force. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of high pass filtering and non-linear normalization on the EMG–force relationship of sub-maximal finger exertions. Sub-maximal isometric ramp exertions were performed under three conditions (i) extension with restraint at the mid-proximal phalanx, (ii) flexion at the proximal phalanx and (iii) flexion at the distal phalanx. Thirty high pass filter designs were compared to a standardized processing procedure and an exponential fit equation was used for non-linear normalization. High pass filtering significantly reduced the %RMS error and increased the peak cross correlation between EMG and force in the distal flexion condition and in the other two conditions there was a trend towards improving force predictions with high pass filtering. The degree of linearity differed between the three contraction conditions and high pass filtering improved the linearity in all conditions. Non-linear normalization had greater impact on the EMG–force relationship than high pass filtering. The difference in optimal processing parameters suggests that high pass filtering and linearity are dependent on contraction mode as well as the muscle analyzed.