Integration of HD-sEMG and Ultrasounds for the Assessment of Muscle Function

Abstract

Electromyograms (EMGs) and ultrasound (US) images provide complementary information on muscle function. The integration of these two techniques may provide key insights into the electromechanical properties of skeletal muscles as well as into physiological adaptations due to ageing, pathologies, injuries or rehabilitation. From a technological point of view, the simultaneous acquisition of US and surface EMG from the same muscle region is challenging as the two detection systems may interfere with each other. This paper will describe these methodological issues and how they have been addressed to ensure high quality detection of both surface EMGs and US images. Finally, an overview on current and possible, future applications will be provided.