About SEMG

Electromyography (EMG) is a technique for evaluating and recording the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles. It is about detecting the electrical potential generated by muscle cells when these cells are electrically or neurologically activated. The signals can be analyzed to detect medical abnormalities, activation level, recruitment order or to analyze the biomechanics of human or animal movement.

There are two kinds of EMG in widespread use: surface EMG and intramuscular (needle and fine-wire) EMG. Intramuscular EMG may be considered too invasive or unnecessary in many cases. Instead, a surface electrode may be used to monitor the general picture of muscle activation, as opposed to the activity of only a few fibres as observed using an intramuscular EMG. The surface technique is used in a number of settings; for example, in physiotherapy clinics where muscle activation is monitored and patients have an auditory or visual stimulus to help them know when they are activating the muscle (biofeedback).

There are many applications for the use of EMG. It is used clinically for the diagnosis of neurological and neuromuscular problems (even in dentistry); diagnostically by gait laboratories and by clinicians trained in the use of biofeedback or ergonomic assessment; in many types of research laboratories, including those involved in biomechanics, motor control, neuromuscular physiology, movement disorders, postural control, sports, training and physical therapy.

Kine was the first company to offer commercially a totally wireless SEMG solution, where the interactions between the sensor-unit and the receiving unit are completely wireless. In this way it is possible to bypass many of the limitations, wires and cables impose on measuring subjects under "normal conditions", i.e. at work, in sports, resting etc.