Two stage EMG onset detection method

Detection of the moment when a muscle begins to activate on the basis of EMG signal is important task for a number of biomechanical studies. In order to provide high accuracy of EMG onset detection, we developed novel method, that give results similar to that obtained by an expert. By means of this method, EMG is processed in two stages. The first stage gives rough estimation of EMG onset, whereas the second stage performs local, precise searching. The method was applied to support signal processing in biomechanical study concerning effect of body position on EMG activity and peak muscle torque stabilizing spinal column under static conditions.