Surface Electromyography-Based Method for Determining the Need for Short Rest / Microbreaks in the Upper Trapezius Muscle

Abstract

Constant work with low-level muscle contraction (LLMC) characteristics, namely low-intensity muscle contractions that occur continuously for a long duration will cause fatigue and severe impacts if short breaks (microbreaks) are not taken. This invention discloses a method for determining the need for short breaks based on surface electromyography (sEMG) on the upper trapezius muscle that has been scientifically tested. The method in this invention consists of: installing a surface electromyography (sEMG) sensor; measuring an individual's maximum contraction ability; normalizing sEMG signals; establishing a baseline value; recording data; calculating the Root Mean Square (RMS) value; calculating the percentage of an individual's maximum contraction ability (%MVIC); calculating the mean %MVIC; calculating the baseline threshold; calculating the threshold exceedance; providing recommendations for short rest / microbreak indicators if the threshold exceedance occurs for a certain period.