Report: EMG

By
Mohammed Khalid Al-mahdawi

ABSTRACT

Electromyography (EMG) devices are well-suited for measuring the behaviour of muscles during an exercise or a task,
and are widely used in many different research areas. Their disadvantage is that commercial systems are expensive. We
designed a low-cost EMG system with enough accuracy to be used in a wide range of possible ways. The present
research focuses on the validation of the low-cost system we designed, which is compared with a commercially
available, accurate device. The evaluation was done by means of a set of experiments, in which volunteers performed
isometric and dynamic exercises while EMG signals from the hand were registered by both the proposed low-cost
system and a commercial system simultaneously. Analysis and assessment of two indicators to estimate the similarity
between both signals were developed. These indicated a very good result.

by ADHAM
TABLE OF CONTENT

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENT

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Problem Statement

1.3 Objective of Study

1.4 Significance and Motivations

1.5 Project layout

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Overview Previous attempts at low cost device

2.2 Applications

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Hardware

3.2.1 Arduino Uno R3

3.2.2 EMG Sensor Module Kit

3.2.3 Lcd Display

3.2.4 LEDs

3.2.5 Electrode Pad & Cable

3.2.6 battery

3.4 Software

3.4.1 Arduino IDE

CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Equipment

4.3 Discussion

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion

5.2 Recommendations

CHAPTER 6

REFERENCES
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1: Arduino Uno R3

Figure 3.2 : EMG Sensor Module Kit

Figure 3.3: Lcd display

Figure: 3.4 LEDs

Figure 3.5: Electrode Pad & Cable

Figure 3.6: battery

Figure 3.7 :Jumper wires

Figure 3.8 : Connect an electrode on the hand

Figure 3.9 : block diagram of EMG muscle sensor

Figure 3.10: Arduino Software (IDE)

Figure 3.11: Testing Serial Monitor

Figure 3.12: Final project

Figure 4.1: Equipment of the testbed used in the

Table 1.1:
Price comparison between commercial systems and
the low-cost
electromyography (EMG) system

Table 3.1: Hardwar components

Table 4.1: Peak level muscle contraction range (ICC) of

1.1 Introduction

Electromyography (EMG) provides information related to muscle activity[1][2]. For that reason, EMG devices are used in
many research fields, such as biomedical, ergonomics, physiotherapy or sports performance applications, where it is
very important to assess the behaviour of the muscles throughout the task [4] based on the changes in the electrical
signal [4–5]. Moreover, this kind of technology can be used to improve other studies [6]. One of the main problems of
existing EMG technology is the high cost of commercial devices. Some price examples of different commercial devices
are shown in Table1.1. Although EMG signal acquisition can be done in different ways, nowadays one of the most used
methods is by means of superficial electromyography (sEMG), because in comparison with other methods, e.g.,
needles, it is one of the less invasive methods. Some researchers [7] consider that sEMG is as valid as other methods,
taking into account that the acquired signal must be denoised.

1.2 Problem Statement

disorders, nerve damage, and neuromuscular diseases. It is also often used in conjunction with other tests, such as
nerve conduction studies, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of muscle and nerve function. Detention
muscle movements with Arduino is considered to be a safe and non-invasive procedure that typically causes minimal
discomfort or side effects. By providing valuable information about the health The technique Is commonly used to
diagnose a variety of conditions, including muscle of muscles and nerves, this diagnostic technique plays an important
role in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions.

1.3 Objective of Study

Developing a device with low-cost and available components

Checking the accuracy of measuring it with another commercial device

1.4 Significance and Motivations

As a diagnostic technique, muscle signal measurement involves the use of small electrodes placed on the skin above the
muscles being examined. This allows for the recording of the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, enabling
the diagnosis of various muscle and nerve-related conditions. Muscle signal measurement is safe, non-invasive, and
typically causes minimal discomfort or side effects. The use of Arduino-based muscle signal systems can provide
researchers and clinicians with a cost-effective and customizable option for data acquisition and analysis, which may
democratize access to muscle signal technology and stimulate further research and applications in the field.

1.5 Project layout

This project contains five chapters, starts with

chapter one which is the introduction

to the idea of the project, problem statement, objectives and the aim of the study. Chapter two has been followed which
is the literature review of some works in line Less expensive alternative methods for measuring muscle activity.

Chapter three, design and implementation Explanation of the physical and software materials used to build the project
and its mechanism of action and some technical details and pictures of it.

Chapter four, includes the results that have been obtained from the experimental part. Chapter five, included the
conclusion of the whole work and some recommendation for future work that did not performed in this project.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Overview Previous attempts at low cost device configuration

Several researchers have tried to build or implement low-cost EMG systems. Supuk et al. [8] designed, developed and
evaluated a low-cost EMG system, which can be used to measure the muscle activity during human motion, focused on
the design of a cascade bio-amplifier that reduces the noise of the signal as a first step. Later they used different
approaches to denoise the output signal. Validation was only centred on the gait analysis, where researchers measured
the activity of six main muscles. Another example is the manuscript of Sophia Heywood et al. [9], where the authors
compared the signal from a low-cost EMG system and a wire-commercial device. The evaluation consisted of the
acquisition of the Vastus Lateralis signal while volunteers executed different exercises. After the authors denoised the
signal using a few filters, they carried out an evaluation by means of the Teager–Kaiser energy operator (TKEO) and the
maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the muscle, with good results. A third example is the work undertaken by
Cheney et al. [10] where the authors developed the ability to adjust diverse variables, such as the gain, attenuation or
offset. For that reason, they developed a 2-channel EMG board to gather a signal that later was filtered by lowpass filter.
Unfortunately, the authors did not explain how the validation test was done.

2.2 Applications

Examples of applications of this technology cover a wide variety of fields, from the definition of the movement of a hand
[11], up to the recognition of gestures inside a vehicle [17], in the field of rehabilitation [13–14], or even activity
quantification during a deep brain stimulation intervention [15]. Up to the present, to our knowledge, there are no studies
that compare the signal from a low-cost system and a wireless custom device, and identify limitations in the operation of
the low-cost system. Results of that analysis are intended to validate the low-cost sEMG system in order to examine
whether the low-cost system was appropriate or if it needs improvements. For this purpose, an experiment was
developed based on previous research by other authors who have used low-cost systems [8,9,11] or have tried to get a
reliable signal from them [7,10]. In order to obtain both signals an experiment was designed in which diverse subjects
executed isometric and dynamic exercises while EMG signals from the rectus femoris muscle (RF) were simultaneously
gathered by a wireless commercial device (Delsys Trigno Wireless EMG System) and the designed low-cost system.
Both signals were then analysed, and aspects of the comparison, including system limitations were explained.
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

Design of Low-Cost Electromyography will be executed in following steps-Identification of input and output parameters.
The front panel will be designed according to the input and output required. Appropriate block will be developed
according to the output required. After completion of designing, it will be tested for accuracy.

3.2 Hardware

Table 3.1 shows the hardware used in this study.

NO. Description

1 Arduino Uno R3

2 EMG Sensor Module Kit

3 Lcd Display

4 5mm LED

5 Electrode Pad & Cable

6 Battery 18V

7 Jumper Wire

3.2.1 Arduino Uno R3

The Arduino Uno R3 is an upgraded and enhanced version of the popular Arduino Uno board. It is based on the
ATmega328P microcontroller and offers 14 digital input/output (I/O) pins, which can be used to interface with various
digital devices and components. Additionally, it provides 6 analog input pins, allowing for the measurement of analog
voltage levels.

With a clock speed of 16MHz, the Arduino Uno R3 ensures efficient and fast execution of instructions, enabling
responsive and real-time applications. The board can be powered either through a USB connection or by an external
power supply connected to the power jack. This flexibility allows for easy integration into different power setups and
environments.

One of the notable features of the Arduino Uno R3 is its compatibility with a wide range of shields. Shields are add-on
boards that expand the capabilities of the Arduino Uno R3, providing additional functionalities such as wireless
communication, motor control, and display capabilities. This expandability makes the Arduino Uno R3 suitable for a
diverse range of projects and applications.

The programming of the Arduino Uno R3 is done using the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE), a user-
friendly software tool that simplifies the coding process. The IDE supports a simplified version of the C++ programming
language, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced programmers.

Thanks to its user-friendly design and extensive community support, the Arduino Uno R3 has become a popular choice
for electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals alike. Its versatility, reliability, and ease of use make it an ideal
platform for prototyping, experimenting, and developing various electronic projects, ranging from simple LED blinking to
complex robotics and automation systems.

3.2.2 EMG Sensor Module Kit

The EMG sensor module you provided is a semiconductor-based device used for measuring electromyography signals.
It is designed to be compatible with breadboard connections, making it suitable for prototyping and development
purposes. The sensor requires a dual power supply of approximately +9V and -9V, with a minimum voltage of +3.5V and
-3.5V. However, the specific pinout details are not provided in the given information.

The module has dimensions of approximately 25 x 26 x 10 mm (length x width x height) and weighs around 50g. It is
compact and lightweight, allowing for easy integration into various projects. Please note that while the provided
specifications give an overview of the sensor's characteristics, it is always recommended to refer to the documentation
or contact the seller for more detailed information, including pinout configurations and usage instructions, show in Figure
3.3

3.2.3 Lcd Display

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology, known for its low power consumption and compact size, is commonly used in
electronic devices. When combined with Arduino, an open-source electronics platform, LCD modules provide visual
feedback and user interaction in various projects. By establishing electrical connections and programming the Arduino,
you can display text, numbers, symbols, and create custom graphical interfaces. LCD Arduino projects find applications
in home automation, robotics, data logging, and more, enhancing user interaction and functionality.
3.2.4 LEDs

5mm LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) are commonly used with Arduino boards to provide visual feedback or indicators in
electronic projects. Arduino is an open-source platform for programming microcontrollers and allows for easy integration
with LEDs. LEDs emit light when an electric current passes through them and come in various colors. By connecting
LEDs to Arduino boards and writing code, you can control their behavior and create visual effects. This guide provides
an introduction to using LEDs with Arduino, covering the required components, circuit setup, coding examples, and
usage tips. Incorporating LEDs into your Arduino projects can add visual appeal and enhance interactivity.

3.2.5 Electrode Pad & Cable

Electrodes are the components of an EMG system that are used to detect the electrical activity of muscles. There are
two main types of electrodes: surface electrodes and needle electrodes.

Surface electrodes are the most common type of electrode used in EMG. They are placed on the skin over the muscle
that is being studied. Surface electrodes are relatively easy to use and can be applied by a trained technician.

However, they can be affected by noise from the environment, such as electrical interference from other devices.

Cables are the components of an EMG system that connects the electrodes to the recording device. The cable must be
shielded to prevent interference from other electrical signals. The type of cable that is used will depend on the type of
EMG system.

3.2.6 battery

battery 9-volt is a type of battery that provides a nominal voltage of 9 volts. It is a rectangular prism-shaped battery with
rounded edges and two snap connectors on top. 9V batteries are commonly used in a variety of electronic devices, The
battery will be used to operate the the emg sensor.

3.2.7 Jumper wires

Jumper wires are used for making connections between items on your breadboard and your Arduino's header pins. Use
them to wire up all your circuits.
3.3 Interfacing EMG Muscular Signal Sensor with Arduino
3.3.1 Electrode Connection

The three electrodes are used to transmit muscle signals. Each electrode must be in the proper position for better
function. Once you have decided which muscle to monitor, connect them as follows:

1 Green electrode: Place this electrode on the middle of the desired muscle
2 Red electrode: Place this electrode at the end of the desired muscle.
3 Yellow electrode: Place the last electrode on a bony or non-muscular part of the body near to the desired muscle.

For example, to evaluate the forearm muscle, you can place electrodes on your hand as follows.

3.3.2 Power Supply Connection:

We use two power supplies or batteries to generate +Vs and -Vs. First connect the negative side of first battery to
positive side of second battery, as shown below. This creates an electric ground for power supply.

So, the positive side of first battery becomes +Vs and the negative end of the second battery becomes -Vs. The
following circuit shows how you should connect Arduino to EMG sensor. Connect wires accordingly.

The LED and the LCD are connected through the following diagram, as the batteries cannot carry the Arduino circuit, the
sensor, the LCD screen, and the LED lamps, so we limited the use of batteries only to the sensor, and the rest of the
components take power, either from an external source, which can be any port that contains a USB (Phone charger,
power bank) The computer can also be used as a power source and also displays all data in real time

3.4 Software

3.4.1 Arduino IDE

To upload the code to our microcontroller, we use an integrated development environment (IDE) that deals with AVR-
type microcontrollers, including Arduino and Esp32, which work in the same environment using the Arduino IDE, which
is a software available for various operating systems, Windows, Linux, and Mac. It can be downloaded from the official
Arduino website. The code can upload from the Arduino IDE to our microcontroller by connecting the microcontroller to
the PC, selecting the port on which the microcontroller is connected, and then uploading the code quickly.

After uploading the code free in the wibsite, you can start testing the sensor and start observing the value. To test the
sensor working, stretch your arm. Then you can contract or relax the muscle. This will produce an analog voltage, that
can be observed on Serial Monitor.

COM16

Sensor Value: 321.00

Voltage: 1568.91 mV

Sensor Value: 432.00

Voltage: 2111.44 mV

Sensor Value: 376.00

Voltage: 1837.73 mV

Sensor Value: 503.00

Voltage: 2458.46 mV

Sensor Value: 468.00

Voltage: 2287.39 mV

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