Electromyography normalization and assessment methods for muscle activity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors

Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, University of Applied Sciences in Walcz, PolandFollow
Magdalena Prończuk, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
Kinga Łosińska, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
Ewelina Lulińska, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
Joanna Motowidło, Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, PolandFollow
Anna Ścisłowska-Czarnecka, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
Justyna Żurowska-Cegielska, Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, PolandFollow
Piotr Aschenbrenner, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
Mieszko Bartosz-Jefferies, Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
Adam Maszczyk, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow

Abstract

Background: Electromyographic (EMG) normalization is essential for accurately measuring muscle activity across different populations and tasks. Various methods, including Maxi-mum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) and Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA), have been employed to improve measurement reliability. However, discrepancies in results across studies necessitate a comprehensive review of normalization techniques. Objective: This report analyzed 40 research studies to evaluate EMG normalization and assessment methods, focusing on their reliability, applicability, and effectiveness across healthy and clinical populations. Methods: The studies employed a range of normalization techniques, including MVIC, submaximal contractions, task-specific approaches, and advanced methods such as RQA and Pre-Fatigue Maximal Voluntary Contraction (PFMVC). The analysis considered the suitability of each method based on participant characteristics and movement tasks. Results: MVIC demonstrated consistent reliability in healthy populations, whereas dynamic and task-specific normalization methods were advantageous in specific research contexts. Clinical studies reported difficulties in performing maximal contractions, suggesting the need for alternative normalization methods for patients. Emerging techniques, such as RQA and PFMVC, required specialized expertise and resources. Conclusion: Method selection should align with study parameters, considering population characteristics and task demands. Researchers highlighted trade-offs between reliability, validity, and feasibility, emphasizing the need for further comparative research to refine EMG normalization practices.

Recommended Citation

Skalski DT, Pronczuk M, Losinska K, Lulinska E, Motowidlo J, Scislowska-Czarnecka A, Aschenbrenner P, Zurowska-Cegielska J, Bar-tosz-Jefferies M, Maszczyk A. Electromyography normalization and assessment methods for muscle activity: A systematic review and me-ta-analysis. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2025;17(3):Article4. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.17.3.04

Author ORCID Identifier

Dariusz Skalski; ORCID: 0000-0001-5128-7724

Magdalena Prończuk; ORCID: 0009-0005-1478-3151

Kinga Łosińska; ORCID: 0009-0009-0227-106X

Ewelina Lulińska; ORCID: 0000-0002-1021-8885

Joanna Motowidło; ORCID: 0009-0009-3261-3702

Anna Ścisłowska-Czarnecka; ORCID: 0000-0001-8398-8912

Piotr Aschenbrenner; ORCID: 0000-0003-1307-6621

Mieszko Bartosz-Jefferies; ORCID: 0000-0001-9139-9747

Adam Maszczyk; ORCID: 0000-0001-9139-9747

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.