AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide advanced theoretical and practical knowledge on electromyographic signal analysis (EMG), with a particular focus on its application in the functional assessment of athletes with disabilities. Through an integrated approach combining biomechanics, neurophysiology, and signal processing techniques, students will acquire skills for the clinical and sports interpretation of EMG data, both in rehabilitation and performance contexts.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

• To deepen the physiological and technical principles underlying surface EMG signals.
• To provide advanced skills in the numerical processing of EMG signals (filtering, frequency analysis, RMS, onset, etc.).
• Introduce tools for electromyographic analysis in applied fields, with particular reference to motor disabilities and adapted sports.
• Develop the ability to integrate EMG data with other sources (kinematics, dynamometry, etc.) for a complete functional assessment.
• Promote a critical approach to the selection and interpretation of EMG parameters in real-life, clinical, and sports scenarios.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching methods adopted in the course involve a balanced integration of theoretical lectures, practical laboratory activities, analysis of real case studies, and critical group discussions.

Specifically:

1. Theoretical Lectures:

   • Interactive presentation of theoretical topics supported by multimedia materials (slides, demonstration videos).

   • Sessions dedicated to discussion of key concepts and in-depth exploration of complex issues, consistently referencing the latest scientific evidence.

2. Practical Laboratories:

   • Hands-on activities conducted in small groups, using wireless EMG acquisition systems and movement analysis devices.

   • Guided exercises led by instructors on acquisition protocols, preprocessing procedures, and advanced EMG signal analysis.

   • Use of specialized software for processing and interpreting EMG data, integrated with kinematic and dynamometric data.

3. Case Study Analysis:

   • Discussion of real-world cases selected from clinical and sports contexts specifically focused on athletes with disabilities.

   • Clinical and sports interpretation sessions of EMG data, supported by concrete examples and videos synchronized with electromyographic and kinematic data.

4. Group Work and Presentations:

   • Group projects to stimulate collaboration among students and develop critical analysis and methodological application skills.

   • Oral and written presentations by students on projects aimed at practically applying acquired skills, with detailed feedback from instructors.

5. Advanced Seminars:

   • Guest lectures by external experts and specialists in neurophysiology, biomechanics, and adapted sports to broaden and enhance students’ specific competencies.

These teaching methods are designed to ensure robust theoretical and practical competency acquisition, fostering a critical and informed approach to managing and interpreting electromyographic data.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Module 1 – Fundamentals of electromyography

• Functional anatomy and physiology of skeletal muscle
• Generation and propagation of muscle action potential
• Types of EMG signals (surface, intramuscular)
• Subject acquisition and preparation protocols

Module 2 – Advanced signal analysis techniques

• Pre-processing: filtering, rectification, enveloping, normalization, interpolation.
• Feature extraction: amplitude (RMS, MAV), frequency (MNF, MDF), time (onset, duration)
• Time-domain vs frequency-domain analysis

Module 3 – EMG applied to the assessment of athletes with disabilities

• Basics of biomechanics and adapted locomotion
• EMG analysis in subjects with first motor neuron lesions: spinal injuries, cerebral palsy
• Study of athletic movements in Paralympic sports

Module 4 – Workshops and case studies

• Real data acquisition with wireless EMG
• Movement analysis with EMG synchronized with video and inertial sensors in aquatic and terrestrial environments
• Functional assessment in clinical and sports settings
• Discussion of real cases and interpretation of results

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy