Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring and identifying Functional Activities performed by a test subject, the method including the steps of (a) extracting a given type of signals from each of a predetermined set of muscles of a control subject during the performance thereby of a given Functional Activity; (b) processing the signals to provide therefor given parameters affected by the given Functional Activity; (c) storing the data obtained in step (b); and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) for a plurality of other control subjects. The stored data then is utilized to establish a normative data base indicative of the given Functional Activity and further steps include (f) extracting the given type of signals from each of at least some of the predetermined set of muscles of a test subject during a given monitoring period; and (g) comparing the data base to the signals of step (f) to identify during the monitoring period portions thereof during which the test subject was performing the given Functional Activity.

Abstract: A method for analyzing muscle function including the steps of: (a) locating in a human control subject a predetermined muscle group activatable to produce a given torque; (b) fixing over each of a plurality of individual muscles in the group an electrode adapted to detect myoelectric signals generated therein; (c) activating of the muscles to generate myoelectric signals therein; (d) processing the myoelectric signals to determine a plurality of predetermined values thereof; (e) repeating steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) for each of a plurality of other control subjects; (f) determining a normative range of the predetermined values determined in steps (d) and (e); (g) repeating steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) for a human test subject; and (h) comparing the predetermined values determined in step (g) with the normative range determined in step (f). Dysfunction in the muscle group of the test subject can be determined by comparison of the processed myoelectric signal values.

Abstract: A muscle function analysis system including a base; a restraint device supported by the base and shaped and arranged to receive and immobilize a human body portion retaining a muscle group concurrently activatable to produce a body function; and a support apparatus supported by the base and shaped and arranged to support other portions of the body, the support apparatus adapted to substantially isolate activity in the muscle group from muscle activity in the other body portions. Also included are an electrode array adapted for coupling to the muscle group so as to receive myoelectric signals generated by muscle activity therein and a processing system coupled to the electrode array and adapted to process the myoelectric signals. By isolating muscle activity in a particular muscle group, more useful data is obtained for evaluating muscle dysfunction in the group.

Abstract: A method for analyzing muscle function and comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of electrodes each having a pair of elongated, substantially parallel detection surfaces; locating in a human body a muscle activatable to product a given torque; fixing each of the electrodes over a different muscle in the group with the detection surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to muscle fiber direction in the muscle; activating each of the different muscles to generate therein myoelectric signals detected by the electrodes; and processing the myoelectric signals detected by the electrodes. Myoelectric signal quality is enhanced by orienting the detection surfaces peripendicular to the direction of muscle fiber.