Name of the Procedure:

Dynamic Surface Electromyography (sEMG) during Walking or Other Functional Activities, 1-12 Muscles

Summary

Dynamic Surface Electromyography (sEMG) is a non-invasive procedure that measures and records muscle electrical activity while you perform specific movements, such as walking. This test helps assess how muscles work in real-life situations.

Purpose

Dynamic sEMG is primarily used to evaluate and diagnose conditions related to muscle function, coordination, and neuromuscular disorders. The goal is to understand muscle activation patterns during everyday activities to identify abnormalities and guide treatment planning.

Indications

• Muscle weakness or atrophy
• Difficulty walking or performing functional activities
• Suspected neuromuscular disorders
• Rehabilitation monitoring following injury or surgery
• Sports performance analysis

Preparation

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the muscles being tested.
• Avoid applying lotions or oils to your skin on the test day.
• No special fasting or medication adjustments are typically required.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider will clean the skin where the electrodes will be applied.
2. Small adhesive electrodes are placed on the skin over the muscles being monitored.
3. You will perform various activities, such as walking, under the provider's guidance.
4. The sEMG system records muscle electrical activity during these activities.
5. Data is analyzed to assess muscle function and coordination.

Duration

The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

Dynamic sEMG can be performed in outpatient clinics, physical therapy centers, or specialized diagnostic labs.

Personnel

• Physical therapist or physiologist
• Technologist specializing in sEMG
• Consulting physician (if required)

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risks associated with adhesive electrodes, such as minor skin irritation.
• Rare risk of discomfort if the electrode placement area is sensitive.

Benefits

• Provides real-time feedback on muscle function during actual movement.
• Helps in diagnosing muscle or nerve disorders.
• Enhances the development of personalized rehabilitation and treatment plans.
• Improves sports performance analyses by identifying muscle imbalances.

Recovery

• No downtime; you can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to review results and plan further treatment or therapy.

Alternatives

• Static sEMG testing: Measures muscle activity while the body is at rest.
• Electromyography (EMG) with needle electrodes: More invasive, may provide different or more detailed information.
• Motion analysis studies: Used in conjunction for detailed biomechanical assessments.

Patient Experience

During the test, you may feel minor discomfort due to the placement of electrodes and repeated movement exercises. No pain is expected. Post-procedure, you may have slight skin irritation where electrodes were placed, but this should resolve quickly.