Tethered Multi-Wired

The tethered multi-wired system is the classical EMG solution that connects the sensors directly to the computer by means of insulated copper wire. This is the most commonly used version of EMG and it severely restricts mobility. This places serious limitations on testing options and value of the obtained results. When using hardwired EMG sensors, the tester must ensure that the wires do not physically interfere with the testing. Due to the limitation of being physically tied to the computer, many actions simply cannot be effectively studied. There are also restrictions on the length of wire connecting the sensors to the computer. Extensive effort and time is required to attach and route the wires in the least obstructive positions on the human body and to the computer. All these factors mean that testing of natural motion in an everyday environment becomes cumbersome and nearly impossible.

Tethered Single-Wired

The tethered single wire system is a newer and uncommon solution. The user is still tethered to the computer but this is via a single wire capable of transferring information from each of the sensors. Each sensor is wired to a box on the body, which then communicates with the computer via a single cable. This system still suffers all the same problems as the multi-wire system with the exception that a single connection point slightly reduces physical obstruction.

Dependent Wireless

The dependent wireless EMG system is a large step forward in creating a less limited environment for testing. These systems are made of several EMG electrodes that are wired to a body-mounted communications box that interacts with the computer for analysis. This eliminates the restraint of being connected to the computer, which allows the patient to move freely in the natural environment to perform the desired motion. Although it no longer restricts where the patient moves, it still restricts how they move. The many wires that are still routed on the body together with the heavy communications box impede natural motion. The system is difficult to setup as wires must still be connected and routed along the subject’s body.

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