Innervation zone shift with changes in joint angle in the brachial biceps

Empirical evidence is presented suggesting that the innervation zone of the brachial biceps shifts relative to recording electrodes with changes in joint angle. Myoelectric signal data were acquired from five subjects using a 16-channel linear electrode array, and analyzed to determine a reversal in signal propagation direction indicating innervation zone location. An analysis of the effect of joint angle changes on innervation zone location yielded statistically significant results (ANOVA, alpha= 0.05, p < 0.001) suggesting that the innervation zone moves between 5 and 30 mm in a direction distal to the shoulder as the arm is extended, statistically independent of force level (ANOVA, alpha = 0.05 p > 0.2). (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.