Intra-subject variability of electromyography: motor learning and strategies

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to describe the intra-subject variability of a surface electromyography (SEMG) analysis of a demi-plié and its implications towards motor learning and strategies. A sixteen-channel surface biomedical electrograph system was used to analyze the lower extremity muscle activity. The electrodes were placed over two muscles: Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Vastus Medialis (VM). The participants performed five trials of the demi-plié; SEMG amplitude was recorded at each of the three phases. Results support previous research that novice subjects have a greater variability between trials vs. trained subjects; therefore SEMG can be employed as a tool for identification between the two groups as the output is an indicator for motor learning and can influence clinician environments.