STANDARDIZED FRAMEWORKS FOR MYOELECTRIC RESEARCH: SENIAM AND ISEK GUIDELINES, APPLICATIONS, AND ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Surface electromyography (sEMG) serves as a versatile tool for assessing muscle activity, relying on standardized acquisition and analysis protocols to reduce variability caused by equipment differences, electrode positioning, and signal processing methods. This work examines the contributions of SENIAM and ISEK standards in establishing consistent methodologies for electrode placement, signal acquisition, and reporting, highlighting their complementary roles in enhancing data comparability and transparency. The historical evolution of electromyography standards is reviewed, emphasizing the transition from heterogeneous local practices to internationally recognized frameworks that support reproducible research and computational modeling. Principles distinguishing surface and fine-wire EMG techniques are discussed, including their operational characteristics, advantages, and limitations in capturing neuromuscular signals. Applications in clinical rehabilitation and prosthetics are explored, demonstrating how adherence to these standards improves diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic monitoring, and control of assistive devices. Ethical considerations related to participant consent, data privacy, and methodological rigor are addressed, underscoring the importance of transparent documentation and responsible data stewardship. Overall, integrating standardized acquisition protocols with comprehensive reporting facilitates reliable neuromuscular analysis across diverse research and clinical settings, supporting advancements in rehabilitation robotics and human-computer interfaces.