**4.3. Examples of current EMG studies in sciences of sports**

**•** How long the muscle is activated for, the start and end of the activation in relation to the

**Figure 2.** A research of lower extremity muscle groups [66] ( Photograph shot during a study by Sozen H. et al.).

**•** The degree of muscular activity which itself reflects the level of muscular effort. However, this must not be confused with the level of muscular force, as the electrical signal detected

The analysis of movement usually includes cinematic and kinetic study [52,47,41]. The cinematic study is responsible for determining the position, speed and acceleration parame‐ ters, both linear and angular. Different camera and marker systems are used for this purpose.

Surface EMG is commonly used to quantify the magnitude and timing of muscle activation during various physical tasks, that has broad application in sport science research [44]. The fact that sEMG can analyze dynamic situations makes it of special interest in the field of sports [11]. The improvement in the efficiency of a movement involves the correct use of the muscles, in terms of both economies of effort and effectiveness, as well as in the prevention of injury.

is a function of the ionic concentration in the muscle [41].

A kinetic study determines the internal or external forces involved [41].

articular position.

186 Electrodiagnosis in New Frontiers of Clinical Research

**4.1. Evaluating sports performance**

EMG has been a subject of laboratory research for decades. Only with recent technological developments in electronics and computers has surface EMG emerged from the laboratory as a subject of intense research in particularly kinesiology, rehabilitation and occupational and sports medicine. Most of the applications of surface EMG are based on its use as a measure of activation timing of muscle, a measure of muscle contraction profile, a measure of muscle contraction strength, or as a measure of muscle fatigue [72]. Only a handful of research articles using EMG techniques were published in the early 1950s. Today, over 2500 research publica‐ tions appear each year. The growth of the EMG literature and the availability of appropriate instrumentation and techniques might suggest that our understanding of the procedures used to record the EMG signal and the relevant analysis methods must be complete. Yet the interpretation of the signal remains controversial; and there are few sources available to help the novice electromyographer understand the physiological and biophysical basis of EMG, characteristics of the instrumentation, signal analysis techniques, and appropriate EMG applications [19].

**5. Conclusions**

**Author details**

ty, Samsun, Turkey

Hande Türker1

**References**

(2004).

Mosby Elsevier; (2007).

py. (1984). , 64, 1813-1820.

plied Biomechanics (1997). , 13-135.

success in various fields of sports.

and Hasan Sözen2

bike exercise. Biology of Sport (2010). , 27, 203-206.

When the research in sciences of sports is thoroughly investigated, it is seen that usage of electromyography is rapidly increasing. Research and applications of such kind unite medical and sports sciences and thus help us understand the movement physiology of the human body.

Surface Electromyography in Sports and Exercise

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/56167

189

Surface EMG, though often used for diseases of locomotion and movement disorders, may also be a tool for evaluation of performances of sportsmen. By this way the functional capacity of muscles which play the most active role in movement may be determined and this approach also yields designation of exercise programs and skill analysis that play an important role in

1 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Ondokuz Mayıs Universi‐

2 Assist. Prof. Dr., Ordu University, School of Physical Education and Sports, Ordu, Turkey

[1] Sözen, H. Comparison of muscle activation during elliptical trainer, treadmill and

[2] Weiss, L, Silver, J. K, & Weiss, J. Easy EMG. Oxford, UK: Butterworth-Heinemann;

[3] Katirji, B. Electromyography In Clinical Practice A Case Study Approach. PA-USA:

[4] Soderberg, G. L, & Cook, T. M. Electromyography in biomechanics. Physical Thera‐

[5] De Luca, C. J. The use of surface electromyography in biomechanics. Journal or Ap‐

[6] Monfort-panego, M, Vera-garcia, F. J, Sanchez-zuriaga, D, & Sarti-martinez, M. A. Electromyographic studies in abdominal exercises: a literature synthesis. Journal of

Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2009). , 32, 232-244.

**Figure 3.** The growth in the number of EMG related publications in sport science since 1980s (drawn by Sözen H. based on data from Thomson ISI).

Sports science studies on exercise equipment often use electromyography. A study carried out by Sözen H. et al compared the muscle activation during the exercise on elliptical trainer, treadmill and bike equipment which are frequently used in the fields of rehabilitation and sport science. Determing the muscles used predominantly during the exercise on these three equipments may contribute to the regulation of available performance tests or the tests scheduled to be performed on these equipments. Besides, detemining in which muscle groups the equipments are used more efficiently for rehabilitation and treatment may help treatment be more successful. According to studies' results; it was found out that elliptical trainer equipment activated upper extremity muscles more when compared to treadmill and bicycle equipment. But, in the activation of lower extremity muscles, treadmill and elliptical trainer equipments are more advantageous compared to bike. As a result; elliptical trainer equipment is more advantageous to activate different muscle groups compared to treadmill and bicycle equipments. By more muscles groups' involving in action, more cardiorespiratory output, accordingly more energy consumption and production can be provided as a response to the exercise on elliptical trainer [1].

The studies that use surface EMG in sciences of sports are mostly related with determination of the mechanism of contraction and relexation of muscles while also dealing with evolution of injuries. The data obtained from these studies can be used in the following areas:

