A Survey on the Use and Barriers of Surface Electromyography in Neurorehabilitation

Historical, educational, and technical barriers have been reported to limit the use of
surface electromyography (sEMG) in clinical neurorehabilitation settings. In an attempt
to identify, review, rank, and interpret potential factors that may play a role in this
scenario, we gathered information on (1) current use of sEMG and its clinical potential; (2)
professional figures primarily dealing with sEMG; (3) educational aspects, and (4) possible
barriers and reasons for its apparently limited use in neurorehabilitation. To this aim, an
online 30-question survey was sent to 52 experts on sEMG from diverse standpoints,
backgrounds, and countries. Participants were asked to respond to each question on
a 5-point Likert scale or by ranking items. A cut-off of 75% agreement was chosen
as the consensus threshold. Thirty-five invitees (67%) completed the electronic survey.
Consensus was reached for 77% of the proposed questions encompassing current
trends in sEMG use in neurorehabilitation, educational, technical, and methodological
features as well as its translational utility for clinicians and patients. Data evidenced
the clinical utility of sEMG for patient assessment, to define the intervention plan,
and to complement/optimize other methods used to quantify muscle and physical
function. The aggregate opinion of the interviewed experts confirmed that sEMG is more
frequently employed in technical/methodological than clinical research. Moreover, the
slow dissemination of research findings and the lack of education on sEMG seem to
prevent prompt transfer into practice. The findings of the present survey may contribute
to the ongoing debate on the appropriateness and value of sEMG for neurorehabilitation
professionals and its potential translation into clinical settings.