Teaching EMG Analysis Through Muscle Fatigue: A Practical Lab Experiment Introduction: Bridging Theory and Practice in EMG Analysis

Electromyography (EMG) is a powerful tool for exploring muscle function, making it an invaluable resource for teaching students in fields like kinesiology, biomechanics, and physical therapy. By combining theoretical principles with a hands-on approach, educators can help students understand the intricacies of muscle fatigue and its implications for human performance.

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The Wall Sit: A Simple, Effective Lab Exercise

The wall sit—a classic isometric exercise—is an excellent choice for introducing students to EMG analysis. Its controlled, measurable conditions make it easy for students to:

1. Collect meaningful data on muscle activity.
2. Explore fatigue-related trends such as shifts in frequency and amplitude.
3. Correlate EMG results with physiological and biomechanical principles.

This experiment offers a rich, interactive learning experience that reinforces classroom concepts in a real-world context.

Learning Objectives for Students

Understand Muscle Fatigue:

• Learn how sustained muscle contractions affect electrical activity.
• Explore the physiological processes underlying fatigue.

Develop Technical Skills:

• Gain hands-on experience with EMG sensors and data acquisition systems.
• Learn to process and analyze EMG signals using common software tools.

Interpret and Apply Data:

• Identify fatigue markers such as declining median frequency and increasing root mean square (RMS).
• Discuss how findings relate to practical applications in exercise science, rehabilitation, and sports performance.

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