Static and dynamic myoelectric measures of shoulder muscle fatigue during intermittent dynamic exertions of low to moderate intensity

Abstract

Despite extensive research on muscular fatigue during prolonged static efforts, there have been relatively few studies of more complex tasks (dynamic and intermittent). A laboratory study of overhead work tasks was conducted to investigate whether electromyographic (EMG) measures can potentially serve as indicators of fatigue, particularly for ergonomic tasks analysis. Sixteen participants performed the tasks until they either developed substantial discomfort or reached a 3-h limit. EMG signals were obtained at intervals throughout the experiment from four shoulder muscles, both statically (during fixed-level test contractions) and dynamically (during task performance). Both EMG root mean square (RMS) amplitude and spectral content (mean and median power frequencies) were examined and compared in terms of their variability and sensitivity. In addition, a new fatigue index was developed to allow for the estimation of substantial fatigue onset. Variability was found to differ significantly between muscles and EMG measures, and was generally lowest for mean power frequencies obtained during static test contractions. Sensitivity was typically greatest for RMS versus spectral measures, and slightly higher for median than mean power frequencies. The results suggest that fatigue during dynamic tasks, while a complex phenomenon, can be monitored and quantified using EMG.