EMG Processing for Muscle Alternation Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively evaluate the impact of paired left and right muscles during exercises where they are used alternately, such as cycling or running, as they cannot identify differences in strength application between the two sides.
Innovation Solution
An electromyography processing apparatus and method that acquires and processes electromyography data from electrodes on paired muscles to calculate a switching index, indicating the alternation and synchronization of muscle usage, using a preprocessing unit to filter noise and calculate root-mean-square values, and an evaluation unit to normalize and output the switching index.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power meters are mounted on bike pedals to measure strength, then the strength applied to left and right pedals can be confirmed, but the factor for differences in strength between left and right pedals cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electromyography (EMG) sensors as an intermediary measurement tool to capture muscle activation data from the quadriceps muscles. This intermediary system provides the missing information about muscle activation patterns that cannot be obtained through power meter measurements alone, enabling identification of the causes behind strength differences between left and right pedals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces or supplements the mechanical measurement system (power meters) with a physiological measurement system (EMG sensors). By substituting mechanical force measurement with electrical signal detection from muscles, the system gains access to underlying muscle activation data that explains the reasons for performance differences.
2Loss of information
If electromyography data is acquired from electrodes on paired muscles, then muscle activation can be detected, but the data is difficult to interpret and requires processing techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where EMG data from paired muscles is continuously processed and compared. The system provides feedback by calculating a switching index that quantifies the alternation pattern between left and right muscle activations, transforming complex raw EMG signals into interpretable performance metrics that guide exercise form correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex EMG data by changing the parameter representation through calculation of the switching index. This parameter transformation converts difficult-to-interpret voltage signals into a meaningful metric that directly reflects muscle alternation quality, making the data interpretable without requiring complex processing infrastructure.
3Loss of information
If a switching index is calculated to evaluate muscle alternation, then the impact of each muscle in alternating exercises can be evaluated, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of EMG signals by calculating the switching index in real-time during the exercise. This preliminary action of data transformation prepares the information in advance for interpretation, allowing the system to provide immediate feedback on muscle alternation quality without requiring complex post-processing analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
An electromyography processing apparatus 1 includes an electromyography acquiring unit 21 configured to generate electromyography data 11 indicating the time course of an electromyography acquired from an electrode 2 set on each of left and right muscles which are paired of an exerciser performing an exercise in which the left and right muscles are alternately used, and an evaluation unit 23 configured to calculate and output a switching index indicating that left and right muscles are alternately used, from an electromyography of the left muscle and an electromyography of the right muscle acquired at an identical time.