Detection of EMG-based muscle fatigue during cyclic dynamic contraction using a monopolar configuration

Measurement of surface EMG signals is usually performed using the bipolar (single differential) configuration. However, even if contraction during exercise is performed until near-complete exhaustion, the change in the surface EMG accompanying the fatigue could be undetectable using the bipolar configuration. In order to overcome this disadvantage, this study proposes the measurement of surface EMG using the monopolar configuration. Experimental results show that the monopolar configuration can detect the change in muscle fatigue with greater sensitivity and better stability, as compared to the bipolar configuration.