Some strength training studies with the first dorsal interosseus muscle (FDI) have failed to show parallel increases in EMG and force (Keen et al, JAP 77:2648, 1994; Laidlaw et al, JAP 87: 1786, 1999). To determine whether the placement of the surface electrodes in relation to the innervation zone was responsible for the non-parallel increases in EMG and force, four young adults (29 ± 2yrs, 2 males and 2 females) underwent strength training of the FDI for 4 weeks. Training was performed three times per week and each participant performed 6 sets of 10 repetitions of 80% 1-RM load. Strength was assessed with an isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and a one repetition maximum (1 RM). The EMG of the left FDI was measured using two pairs of bipolar surface electrodes (4 mm in diameter, silver-silver chloride). The first pair was secured over the innervation zone of the FDI, whereas the second pair of electrodes was placed at the distal end of the muscle. MVC force increased by 26.1% (9.2 ± 8.4 N) and 1-RM load by 55.3% (941.6 ± 420.9 g). The peak EMG amplitude recorded during the MVC from the distal pair of electrodes (891.0 ± 175.6 μV) was significantly greater than the EMG recorded from the pair of electrodes placed over the innervation zone (676.7 ± 154.7 μV). Similarly, the integrated EMG recorded during the 1 RM was greater for the distal pair of electrodes (1727.8 ± 448.2 μV's vs. 1371.1 ± 349.0 μV's). The EMG from both pairs of electrodes varied similarly over the four weeks of training. This change in EMG, however, did not parallel the increase in MVC force or 1-RM load. These results suggest that electrode placement was not responsible for the non-parallel increases in EMG with force during strength training. Supported by NIH award AG-09000 to RME.