The Effects of Varying Fibre Composition on Simulated SEMG Signals in the Time and Frequency Domains
Date
Author
Institution
Degree Level
Degree
Department
Supervisor / Co-Supervisor and Their Department(s)
Examining Committee Member(s) and Their Department(s)
Citation for Previous Publication
Link to Related Item
Abstract
Whether SEMG can be used as a tool to estimate muscle fibre type concentrations remains an interesting question in muscle physiology. It is speculated that fast twitch motor units may have increased conduction velocities and that this may lead to an increased SEMG mean power frequency when compared to their slow twitch counterparts. Unfortunately, the true relationship between conduction velocity and fibre type remains a mystery. This research makes use of a SEMG simulation model to help analyze how changes in contraction time, conduction velocity and twitch force assignment distributions within a muscle impact a simulated signal. Variations in contraction time and twitch force impacts SEMG signals in the time but not frequency domains. On the other hand, conduction velocity is proportional to SEMG frequency content but has no impact on force production. This work suggests that further extension of simulation models could include methods of varying fibre type compositions.