ELECTROMYOGRAPHY IN THE BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF HUMAN MOVEMENT AND ITS CLINICAL-APPLICATION

This article introduces the area of scientific study of human movement . It is primarily intended for readers who wish to form a judgement on the usefulness of scientific movement analysis techniques in the trea tment process of patients with abnormal movement patterns. With a focu s on the analysis of human locomotion, the paper outlines the historic al development of a biomechanical approach towards the understanding o f human movement patterns. This approach alone proves to be inadequate in supplying reliable information on neuromuscular control of movemen t. It follows that electromyographic techniques are essential for this purpose. Scientific literature reveals relevant practical usability o f such information. This is the rationale for a review of the historic al, physiological, technical and methodological background of electrom yographic analysis of movement. The field of management and rehabilita tion of motor disability is identified as one important application ar ea. On the basis of relevant literature, the present paper asserts tha t scientific analysis of human movement patterns can materially affect patient treatment. It provides evidence that patient management and r ehabilitation processes in central neurological disorders can be impro ved through electromyographic techniques. In particular, this evidence supports the use of electromyography for surgical planning in childre n with cerebral palsy. The paper concludes with a view on future direc tions in research, development and applications of scientific analysis of human movement. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All Rights reserved .