Analysis of muscle fatigue determination and sensitivity for parameters to detect muscle fatigue from surface EMG signals

- The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of seven fatigue detection parameters, MNF(mean frequency), MDF(median frequency), FBR(frequency band ratio), SMR(spectral moment ratio), ZCF(zero-crossing frequency), TUF (turn frequency) and SPF(spike frequency), based on muscle fatigue determination and sensitivity. Surface EMG signals(a total of 198 signals) were recorded in biceps brachii muscle with isometric 20%, 50% and 80% MVC contractions from eleven subjects. The parameters were calculated from the signals and the resulting fatigue curves were compared considering fatigue determination performance and fatigue sensitivity performance. Results of this study suggest that SMR is more reliable and sensitive parameters than others for differentiating muscle fatigue level from surface EMG signal obtained by isometric voluntary contraction. Copyright The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers