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EMG stands for Electromyography. It is simply recording the electrical signals sent by the nerves to the muscles to get them to work. We use Surface EMG which means that we measure the signals at the surface of the skin.
Surface EMG is an excellent tool for recording and visualising real time muscle activity in accessible muscles. It can be quantified and assessed in the temporal domain in actively contracting muscles. However, it cannot be used for clinical diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders such as neuropathies, myopathies, radiculopathies or anterior horn cell disorders. It also cannot be used for the diagnosis of central nervous system disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or spinal cord injury. It can play a role in these disorders when patterns of muscle activation are used to assess overall motor function and effectiveness of rehabilitation. Clinically diagnostic EMG requires special equipment, needle electrodes and an appropriately qualified Clinical Neurophysiologist.
Our software allows for up to 4 sensors to be recorded and displayed.
MR EMG Sensors use Bluetooth. In open air, they have a range of 20M or more, however Bluetooth signals are blocked by walls and large metal objects. In addition, the signals can be affected by other devices, WiFi access points, microwaves etc. We believe that the MR EMG devices have ample range for their intended use in a Gym or Clinic.
No, at this stage we have no plans to support Android. We only support iOS on the iPad.
No, they should never be submerged in water. Sweat and dirt can be wiped off with an alcohol swab.
Yes, for approximately 30 minutes, sweat breaks down the adhesiveness of the sticker. After 20 to 30 minutes the electrode contact to the skin may come away causing signal artifacts.
Right at the start of your session. Apply the sensors when you are cool, this will ensure most effective skin contact and best EMG signal results.
No, the stickers are designed for one use only to ensure good adhesion, quality data and consistent signals.
No, the sensor must be adhered to the skin to accurately measure EMG. Holding it against the skin manually will introduce noise and won’t give a useful signal.
Yes, quality skin preparation is critical to obtaining a quality EMG signal.
It is likely poor skin contact from the electrodes. Remove the sensor and the sensor sticker, clean the surface of the electrodes with an alcohol swab to remove any debris on the sensor, apply a new sticker to the sensor, ensure the skin position for the sensor is cleaned with an alcohol swab and free of hair, apply the sensor to the skin.
Exercising with composure and control is the best way to record accurate muscle activity. Swinging about or sudden jerky movements can cause signal artifacts.
No. Please be careful not to crush the sensors. For example, if you had the sensors on your upper trapezius muscles and you perform barbell squats you risk crushing the sensors and permanently damaging them.
Yes, evening jogging within bluetooth range is fine. Dynamic activities such as sprinting will cause the sensors to break away from the skin. Electrode movement can also cause signal artifacts which can be misleading in data interpretation.
No, the range of the sensors is fine for use inside a clinic room or gym but not intended for extended distance.
Yes, the sensor must be placed on the muscle belly, the peak of the muscle. Ensure the muscle you are testing is contracted first so you know exactly where the muscle belly is.
No. Your muscle outputs are your own. Every person is an individual, what exercises or activities are most stimulating for your muscles may differ from others.
If you are not doing an activity causing you to sweat, you can wear the sensors for up to five hours.
Yes you may, the stickers are made of surgical grade medical material to ensure quality electrode contact. They should not cause any allergic reaction. When you remove the sensor you may experience brief skin discomfort and the area might appear red for a few minutes due to the adhesive blocking sweat glands.
Go into the settings dialog and verify what sensors are turned on. If this doesn’t work, simply close the App, reopen it and your sensors will show.
Yes it does, using MR EMG is a learned skill, over time you will get better at skin preparation, sensor placement and understanding the EMG signal you are reading.
No, it measures intensity of effort (muscle excitement). Simply put, the harder you concentrically contract your muscles the bigger the reading you will get via the biofeedback. Measuring muscle force accurately is extremely difficult with EMG as there are many variables at play throughout any given movement.
No, a Polygraph looks at skin resistance caused by perspiration. We record EMG which is the electrical signal sent to the muscles.