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The diversity in electromyography (EMG) techniques and their reporting present significant challenges across multiple disciplines in research and clinical practice, where EMG is commonly used. To address these challenges and augment the reproducibility and interpretation of studies using EMG, the Consensus for Experimental Design in Electromyography (CEDE) project has developed a checklist (CEDE-Check) to assist researchers to thoroughly report their EMG methodologies. Development involved a multi-stage Delphi process with seventeen EMG experts from various disciplines. After two rounds, consensus was achieved. The final CEDE-Check consists of forty items that address four critical areas that demand precise reporting when EMG is employed: the task investigated, electrode placement, recording electrode characteristics, and acquisition and pre-processing of EMG signals. This checklist aims to guide researchers to accurately report and critically appraise EMG studies, thereby promoting a standardised critical evaluation, and greater scientific rigor in research that uses EMG signals. This approach not only aims to facilitate interpretation of study results and comparisons between studies, but it is also expected to contribute to advancing research quality and facilitate clinical and other practical applications of knowledge generated through the use of EMG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Consensus for Experimental Design in Electromyography (CEDE) project is an international initiative which aims to guide decision-making in recording, analysis, and interpretation of electromyographic (EMG) data. The quality of the EMG recording, and validity of its interpretation depend on many characteristics of the recording set-up and analysis procedures. Different electrode types (i.e., surface and intramuscular) will influence the recorded signal and its interpretation. This report presents a matrix to consider the best electrode type selection for recording EMG, and the process undertaken to achieve consensus. Four electrode types were considered: (1) conventional surface electrode, (2) surface matrix or array electrode, (3) fine-wire electrode, and (4) needle electrode. General features, pros, and cons of each electrode type are presented first. This information is followed by recommendations for specific types of muscles, the information that can be estimated, the typical representativeness of the recording and the types of contractions for which the electrode is best suited. This matrix is intended to help researchers when selecting and reporting the electrode type in EMG studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of single motor unit (SMU) activity provides the foundation from which information about the neural strategies underlying the control of muscle force can be identified, due to the one-to-one association between the action potentials generated by an alpha motor neuron and those received by the innervated muscle fibers. Such a powerful assessment has been conventionally performed with invasive electrodes (i.e., intramuscular electromyography (EMG)), however, recent advances in signal processing techniques have enabled the identification of single motor unit (SMU) activity in high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) recordings. This matrix, developed by the Consensus for Experimental Design in Electromyography (CEDE) project, provides recommendations for the recording and analysis of SMU activity with both invasive (needle and fine-wire EMG) and non-invasive (HDsEMG) SMU identification methods, summarizing their advantages and disadvantages when used during different testing conditions. Recommendations for the analysis and reporting of discharge rate and peripheral (i.e., muscle fiber conduction velocity) SMU properties are also provided. The results of the Delphi process to reach consensus are contained in an appendix. This matrix is intended to help researchers to collect, report, and interpret SMU data in the context of both research and clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) can be used to measure the spatial distribution of electrical muscle activity over the skin. As this distribution is associated with the generation and propagation of muscle fiber action potentials, HDsEMG is processed to extract information on regional muscle activation, muscle fiber characteristics and behaviour of individual motor units. This matrix, developed by the Consensus for Experimental Design in Electromyography (CEDE) project, summarizes recommendations on the use of HDsEMG in experimental studies. For each application, recommendations are included regarding electrode montage, electrode type and configuration, electrode location and orientation, data analysis, and interpretation. Cautions and reporting standards are also included. The steps of the Delphi process to reach consensus are contained in an appendix. This matrix is intended to help researchers when collecting, reporting, and interpreting HDsEMG data. It is hoped that this document will be used to generate new empirical evidence to improve how HDsEMG is used in research and in clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]