DIY EMG for Budding Bio-Hackers!
EMG, or electromyography, is a method for detecting, recording and analyzing the electrical activity of skeletal muscles. An electromyograph detects the potential energy generated by muscles when they are activated either by the brain or by external electrical fields. It has a wide variety of uses; helping to diagnose neuromuscular diseases or other disorders of motor control.
EMG is split into two methods — needle EMG and surface EMG. Needle EMG uses electrodes that are inserted directly into the muscle, producing much higher accuracy and is typically used in medical settings where accuracy is extremely important. Surface EMG uses electrodes stuck to the skin, which can help test muscle functionality and can also be used to control prosthetic limbs.
The Muscle BioAmp Shield is a device designed for surface EMG, used to analyze and record muscle movements. With this shield, you can take human-machine interaction to the next level! This device could enable new accessibility tools for computer users. It can also be used in physical therapy settings, to help people undergoing rehabilitation detect when they are activating the correct muscles.
EMG devices are typically quite expensive, as they are medical grade diagnostic devices. But with a simple Arduino shield like this, you can be conducting EMG experiments and collecting data for a fraction of the cost of a professional EMG machine. Note that results depend on your placement of the electrodes. It’s important to understand the musculoskeletal layout of the body in order to place the electrodes in the correct spot to measure a particular muscle.
This shield could be a great tool for science teachers covering biology. Show your students how their brains control their muscles by sending electrical signals that they can see with their own eyes! You’ll need an Arduino of some sort, as well as a 9V battery. The shield comes with 15 stick-on electrodes, but it’s very easy to buy more online. Remember that electrodes should only ever be used once, and discarded afterward – treat them like sterile medical products!
Have fun, and get bio-hacking!