signal processing methodology for gross muscular activity

ABSTRACT

This paper summarizes research effort undertaken to establish an electromyographic methodology for processing muscular activity in tasks requiring coordinated simultaneous action by a muscle group. The objective is to investigate possibility of obtaining a numerical index quantifying the amount of muscular activities involved in performing daily human tasks. A hybrid computer was used to monitor recorded signals, integrate it and provide, numerical output reflecting the amount of electrical activity involved in the task. A series of static and dynamic experiments were conducted to establish the relationship between the obtained index and parameters of muscular effort, namely, load, time power and rate. Results showed high correlation between these parameters and the index obtained. This renders the index very useful in kinesiological and Ergonomic studies. The paper also provides a general review of electromyography recording and processing techniques and discusses potential applications of the proposed processing methodology: