Metrology in sEMG and movement analysis: the need for training new figures in clinical rehabilitation

Abstract

A new educational curriculum for the next generation of physical and occupational therapists is urgent in order to manage the recent fast advances in sensors, measurement technologies and related instrumentation. This is required by the growing role of STEM in rehabilitation, kinesiology, and sport sciences. Surface EMG technology is used in this work as a representative example of similar problems present in movement analysis, exoskeletons, and many other fields. A review of the most relevant articles and international projects in the field of interfacing physical therapy with measurement technology for quantitative assessment of outcome is presented. It is concluded that a new generation of educators is needed as well as a Ph.D. and/or a clinical doctorate degree in physical therapy, still lacking in many countries. It is urgent to consider knowledge translation since it will take many years before any recommended change in teaching will be accepted and show some effect. A call for a “white paper” on rehabilitation metrology is highly auspicable.