SPATIAL ACTIVATION MAPS - BIOELECTRIC SIGNALS RELATED TO 3D RECORDED MOVEMENTS

The analysis of multidimensional neurophysiological data poses difficu lties for the scientist in understanding the often complex inherent da ta relations. This is particularly the case when neuromuscular cell di scharge parameters are to be related to body segment movement characte ristics in freely behaving animals or humans. The understanding of suc h data is greatly simplified if the recorded data can be visualized in an adequate way, and relevant data relations are thus highlighted. Th is report describes a rationale for display and qualitative analyses o f muscle discharge patterns in relation to three-dimensionally recorde d limb or body movements. The method is illustrated by creating spatia l activation plots and spatial activation maps of the electromyographi c activity in the first interosseal muscle in the human hand, but this rationale for data presentation can be applied to most excitable tiss ues that are activated in relation to body or limb movements. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.