Surface electromyography: proposal of a protocol for cervical muscles

Abstract

PURPOSE: to present a proposal of a surface electromyography evaluation method for cervical muscles specific and detailed protocol, with a standardized collection method of electrical signal in these muscles. METHODS: the researchers took as reference the existing publications about this subject which evidenced a need for standardization, clarity, better reproducibility and greater specificity for the surface electromyography evaluation of the upper trapezium and sternocleidomastoid muscles fibers. The proposal preparation process for the current protocol included the cleaning of the target area, placing the electrodes, required tasks in order to collect and register the electrical signal and interpretation of the electromyography signal parameters. This evaluation method was carried out in 24 healthy volunteers of both genders, with an average age of 26 years. We used the electromyography Miotool 400 with 4 channels. RESULT: an evaluation surface electromyography method for upper trapezium and sternocleidomastoid muscles fibers was developed and tested in order to determine the best form of electrical signal data collection for these muscles. CONCLUSION: we submitted a protocol proposal to evaluate the cervical muscles by a surface electromyography, allowing the healthy professionals and researchers to get more information about this electrical potential evaluation method for the sternocleidomastoid and the upper trapezium muscles fibers. This knowledge will be an adjuvant in a more specific therapy.