Applications of Electromyography in Sport Science

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomechanics and Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2024 | Viewed by 1703

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Interests: neuromuscular activation; muscle strength; muscle fatigue; muscle stretching; surface electromyography; mechanomyography; electromechanical delay
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Neurological and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
2. Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Interests: eccentric training; muscle architecture; injury prevention; soccer performance; COPD
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Interests: neuromuscular activation; muscle architecture; fatigue
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that we extend an invitation to participate in this Special Issue focused on the utilization of surface electromyography as a means to assess muscle excitation levels during both acute and long-term dynamic contractions. Surface electromyography (sEMG) has been a widely employed technique for evaluating muscle excitation during both static and dynamic contractions. While its reliability in describing the phenomenon remains robust for static contractions, the use of sEMG, particularly in bipolar mode, has encountered various technical considerations when applied to dynamic contractions (spanning from the difficulty to evaluate the motor point displacement through the movement to the lack of kinematic variables that would help in explaining the amplitude of the sEMG signal). Furthermore, over the long term, the capability of this method to elucidate anatomical adaptations (such as muscle hypertrophy following a training period) or performance-related adjustments (e.g., strength enhancement resulting from a resistance training phase) unfortunately remains limited. Only a few studies have demonstrated a potential correlation between adaptations in surface electromyographic signals and the anatomical/performance alterations induced by training.

In this context, we invite you to contribute your valuable insights and research to this Special Issue, which aims to explore and advance our understanding of the potential and challenges associated with sEMG in assessing muscle excitation during acute and long-term dynamic contraction. Your expertise and contributions will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the discourse surrounding this intriguing and important area of investigation.

We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to showcase groundbreaking research that delves into the nuanced intricacies of muscle excitation assessment through sEMG. Your participation will not only enrich the scientific dialogue but also foster a deeper comprehension of the complexities underlying dynamic muscle contractions.

We look forward to receiving your cutting-edge contributions that will propel this field forward and shed light on the multifaceted relationship between sEMG and muscle activity dynamics. Together, let us explore uncharted territories and uncover new insights that have the potential to reshape our perspectives and refine our methodologies.

Dr. Emiliano Ce
Dr. Giuseppe Coratella
Dr. Stefano Longo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • high-density surface electromyography
  • range of motion
  • strength training
  • dynamic contraction
  • hypertrophy

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 5569 KiB  
Article
Effects of Ankle Position While Performing One- and Two-Leg Floor Bridging Exercises on Core and Lower Extremity Muscle Recruitment
by Rafael F. Escamilla, Irwin S. Thompson, Joe Carinci, Daniel MacLean, Lisa MacLean and Arnel L. Aguinaldo
Bioengineering 2024, 11(4), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11040356 - 05 Apr 2024
Viewed by 548
Abstract
Given there are no known studies which have examined multiple lower extremity muscles between different ankle positions during bridging activities, the objective was to assess how employing two different ankle positions (PF versus DF) while performing five common bridging exercises (three bipedal and [...] Read more.
Given there are no known studies which have examined multiple lower extremity muscles between different ankle positions during bridging activities, the objective was to assess how employing two different ankle positions (PF versus DF) while performing five common bridging exercises (three bipedal and two unipedal) used in rehabilitation and athletic performance affect core and select lower extremity muscle EMG recruitment. Twenty healthy subjects performed a 5 s isometric hold during five two- and one-leg bridge exercises: (1) on right leg with left knee to chest (1LB-LFlex); (2) on right leg with left knee extended (1LB-LExt); (3) standard two-leg bridge (2LB); (4) two-leg bridge with resistance band around knees (2LB-ABD); and (5) two-leg bridge with ball between knees (2LB-ADD). Surface electromyographic (EMG) data were collected using a Noraxon Telemyo Direct Transmission System from fourteen muscles: (1) three superficial quadriceps (VM, VL, and RF); (2) three hip abductors (TFL, GMED, and GMAX); (3) medial hamstrings (ST) and lateral hamstrings (BF); (4) hip adductors (ADD); (5) erector spinae (ES); (6) latissimus dorsi (LATS); (7) upper rectus abdominis (RA); and (8) external oblique (EO) and internal oblique (IO). EMG data were normalized by maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). A paired t-test (p < 0.01) was used to assess differences in normalized mean EMG activities between DF and PF for each exercise. EMG activities were significantly greater in DF than PF for the (a) VM, VL, and RF during 1LB-LFlex; (b) ADD during 1LB-LFlex, 1LB-LExt; (c) EO during 1LB-LFlex; and (d) IO during 1LB-LFex. In contrast, EMG activities were significantly greater in PF than DF for ST and BF during all five bridge exercises. Bridging with PF (feet flat) was most effective in recruiting the hamstrings, while bridging with DF (feet up) was most effective in recruiting the quadriceps, hip adductors, and internal and external obliques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Electromyography in Sport Science)
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12 pages, 1523 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Cold Therapy on the Physical Working Capacity at the Electromyographic Threshold for Consecutive Exercise Sessions
by Rami E. Maasri, Jonathan R. Jarvie, Jacob S. Karski, Logan J. Smith and Moh H. Malek
Bioengineering 2024, 11(3), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11030292 - 21 Mar 2024
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Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether cold therapy after the first exercise test influences the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT) during the second exercise test. We hypothesized that cold therapy would delay the onset [...] Read more.
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether cold therapy after the first exercise test influences the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT) during the second exercise test. We hypothesized that cold therapy would delay the onset of PWCFT for the second exercise test relative to the control visit (i.e., no cold therapy). Methods: Eight healthy college-aged men volunteered for the present study. For each of the two visits, subjects performed incremental, single-leg, knee-extensor ergometer, followed by either resting for 30 min (control visit) or having a cold pack applied for 15 min and then resting for 15 min (experimental visit). Then, the same exercise test was performed. The order of visits (control vs. experimental) was randomized for each subject. The exercise indices and PWCFT were determined for each of the two visits and statistically analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The results indicate no significant (p > 0.05) mean differences for maximal power output, heart rate at end-exercise, and PWCFT between the control and cold therapy visits. Moreover, there were no significant (p > 0.05) mean differences between the first and second exercise workbout within each visit. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that cold therapy did not influence neuromuscular fatigue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Electromyography in Sport Science)
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