The importance of analysing a single common window of a concentric and eccentric dynamic muscle contraction: unveiling the components of EMG data and motor unit pool.

Abstract

This study proposes a method for analysing decomposed electromyographic signals to enhance the characterization of motor units (MU). It involves two steps: (i) clustering groups of motor units based on firing rate (FR), recruitment threshold, and MU action potential amplitude, and (ii) segmentation of data at the time of interest. Such method, capable of distinguishing different groups of MU, could help understanding muscle force production. FR of MU in Vastus Lateralis and Rectus Femoris during knee extension was investigated. The findings distinguish MU groups and reveals differences in: FR between both contractions types; clustered groups; and segmented MU data in both contraction types.