Electromyographic analysis of voluntary elbow movements in subjects with spasticity

Electromyography (EMG) of the biceps, brachioradialis and triceps were analyzed in both time domain and frequency domain for seven subjects with spasticity and eight normal subjects. The subjects sat in an adjustable chair and performed two voluntary tasks involving elbow joint movements. Some quantitative parameters, such as the mean EMG activity, the ratio of mean EMG activities in the flexors and extensor during flexion and extension (R(f/e) and R(e/f)), the mean power frequency (MPF) and the correlation coefficients of MPF between different muscle groups were derived. These parameters seemed to be meaningful measures of spasticity