Semester of Graduation

Fall 2020

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

There is a growing demand in the sports world for wearable technology, particularly those with electromyography acquisition capabilities. Electromyography (EMG) is technique for measuring the electrical activity that occurs during muscle contraction and relaxation. Basic practical applications of EMG use in sports include, but are not limited to: measuring activation timing of a muscle, measuring levels of activation, and detecting fatigue. The sports performance company Strive has designed an EMG wearable, called Sense3, that targets the following muscles of the lower limb: Quadriceps, Hamstrings, and Glutes. Sense3 must pass reliability assays to determine the validity of the EMG system in order for Sense3 to be accessible as a commercialized product. This study was designed to compare the EMG acquisition performance of Sense3 to the performance of a traditional EMG acquisition device, MA-300, during slow and controlled movements, simulated by use of a dynamometer, and during dynamic movements. Statistics from the reliability assays showed Sense3 to be reliable in the Rectus Femoris and Biceps Femoris during dynamometer trials. Sense3 was unable to consistently record useable EMG signals for analysis during dynamic exercise trials. The ability to record EMG signals during dynamic movement was the main determinant for validity of Sense3’s EMG acquisition system. The results suggest that Sense3 is not a valid EMG acquisition system for sports-based, dynamic use.

Committee Chair

Van Gemmert, Arend

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.5032

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