Review

Mechanomyographic amplitude and frequency responses during dynamic muscle actions: a comprehensive review

Travis W Beck¹ , Terry J Housh¹ , Joel T Cramer² , Joseph P Weir³ , Glen O Johnson¹ , Jared W Coburn⁴ , Moh H Malek¹ and Michelle Mielke¹

¹  Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA 68583

²  Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA 73019

³  Applied Physiology Laboratory, Division of Physical Therapy, Des Moines University, Osteopathic Medical Center, Des Moines, IA, USA 50312

⁴  Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA 92834

author email corresponding author email

BioMedical Engineering OnLine 2005, 4:67doi:10.1186/1475-925X-4-67

Published:	19 December 2005

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to examine the literature that has investigated mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and frequency responses during dynamic muscle actions. To date, the majority of MMG research has focused on isometric muscle actions. Recent studies, however, have examined the MMG time and/or frequency domain responses during various types of dynamic activities, including dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) and isokinetic muscle actions, as well as cycle ergometry. Despite the potential influences of factors such as changes in muscle length and the thickness of the tissue between the muscle and the MMG sensor, there is convincing evidence that during dynamic muscle actions, the MMG signal provides valid information regarding muscle function. This argument is supported by consistencies in the MMG literature, such as the close relationship between MMG amplitude and power output and a linear increase in MMG amplitude with concentric torque production. There are still many issues, however, that have yet to be resolved, and the literature base for MMG during both dynamic and isometric muscle actions is far from complete. Thus, it is important to investigate the unique applications of MMG amplitude and frequency responses with different experimental designs/methodologies to continually reassess the uses/limitations of MMG.