Assessment Of Signal Consistency Between Needle And Surface Electrodes In Tibialis Anterıor Muscle: A Pilot Validaton Study

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether surface electrodes can record physiological muscle activity as accurately as the gold-standard needle electrodes in the tibialis anterior muscle using a diagnostic EMG device The aim of this pilot study is to investigate whether muscle activation data, similar to surface electromyography (SEMG), can be obtained by adjusting the measurement and recording parameters of standard Electroneuromyography (EMG) devices used routinely for diagnostic purposes. Although SEMG is considered the gold standard for the objective assessment of muscle activation, its clinical use in our country is limited due to the high cost of specialized hardware and software. In contrast, diagnostic EMG devices are widely available in many healthcare institutions.

The research will be conducted on 30 healthy volunteers between the ages of 20 and 60. Participants will undergo lower extremity nerve conduction studies, reflex response measurements, and muscle activation assessments during voluntary isometric contractions of the m. tibialis anterior. Muscle activation will be recorded using the diagnostic EMG device via surface (adhesive and Ag/AgCl coated) electrodes and needle electrodes. The acquired EMG signals will be analyzed in terms of RMS (Root Mean Square), amplitude, and frequency parameters.

The procedures performed within the scope of this study are standard practices carried out during routine EMG examinations. The only additional procedure specific to this research is the repetition of muscle activation measurements using different electrode systems. There is no invasive procedure involved in the surface electrode applications, and the needle electrode application will be performed exactly as it is in routine EMG tests. No serious risks are anticipated; rarely, mild pain, redness, or minor bleeding at the needle insertion site may occur.

Through this study, diagnostic EMG devices could be utilized more effectively in rehabilitation and treatment monitoring. It is intended to contribute to the reduction of invasive procedures and to establish a scientific foundation for clinical applications regarding the objective evaluation of muscle activation.