The synthesis of EMG signals based on considerations of signal spectra

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the effect on the spectra of an EMG signal due to changes in the parameters, which control motor unit (MU) firing sequences. To enable this analysis we start by developing a computer-based model of the motor unit activation potential (MUAP) to enable the generation of artificial surface electromyography (EMG) signals. By adjusting the parameters used in the generation of the synthetic EMG we can investigate the effect of a single parametric change on the resultant spectrum. The parameters and range of values we investigated were determined after a literature review. The synthetic EMGs are compared to actual EMG signals collected from the biceps muscle of males subjects aged between 18 to 32, years all without any known neuromuscular disease, disabilities or injuries to the elbow joint.