| Interpreting
the results
The Mega ME-3000-P
Muscle Testing System is an advanced multi-channel sEMG system
for rapid and effective diagnosis of muscular dysfunction as
part of a functional assessment. Muscle recruitment is observed
during actual dynamic movement to clearly show patterns of
inappropriate motor control that is the underlying cause of
chronic pain in many patients. The patient can see graphical
evidence of the muscle difficulty as therapy progresses and can
observe improvement as it occurs. There is better patient
compliance and motivation.
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EMG recording with ME-3000
P
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| The
ME-3000-P produces fast and accurate assessments by featuring
noise free cable end preamplifiers, automated software, and a
compact, portable sEMG processor with high speed data sampling
rates and up to eight channels. By using at least four channels,
the system monitors two muscle groups on both sides of the body
simultaneously. It is particularly effective in identifying
challenging muscular dysfunction problems in patients that have
failed in traditional therapies such as massage, workhardening,
exercise and acupuncture. The software includes six assessment
protocols and an effective biofeedback trainer. Graphical and
numerical reports are produced on a colour printer for
interpretation and documentation.
For conditions of
movement dysfunction, sEMG is a versatile muscular analysis and
diagnostic technique. Assessments can be performed on all of the
surface skeletal muscles. Patients showing carpal tunnel
syndrome, shoulder pain and lower back pain benefit remarkably
well from sEMG testing.
Some of the many
conditions for which sEMG are effective are:
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- Chronic pain
- Myofascial pain
- Repetitive Strain
Injury
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There are
two properties of the EMG signal that are the most significant:
- The amplitude
of the signal shows muscle recruitment and level of
exertion. It shows muscles that are overactive when they
should be quiet and shows compensatory movement patterns
that must be corrected.
- The frequency
of the signal shows the level of metabolic fatigue. sEMG
fatigue measurements are automatically compared with a
normative data base. A dysfunctional muscle shows fast
fatigue onset and slow recovery. This requires a modified
program of therapy for good results. A sEMG assessment
shows where muscle retraining is needed prior to muscle
strengthening.
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| To be a
candidate for sEMG assessment, patients should be cooperative
and well motivated. A full assessment should not be performed on
a patient with serious psychiatric conditions where the normal
pain response patterns are suppressed.
The rate of false
positive diagnosis is very low - less than 5%. This is because
of the detailed reporting which is generated and because the
resulting therapy program can be regularly evaluated with sEMG
and modified for optimum results. In patients showing good
motivation for recovery, successful outcomes are better than
95%.
Back
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Electrode placement on
patient's back |
