EMG-based analysis of change in muscle activity during simulated driving

Extensive usage of computers could cause fatigue and even lead to musculo- skeletal injuries. Onset of fatigue can be determined by analyzing biosignals like surface electromyogram (sEMG), electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrooculogram (EOG). Physiological parameters such as pressure, respiration rate and oxygen debt have also been used to estimate the onset of fatigue and recovery time. Other than these measures, behavioral analysis using video and subjective analysis have also been used extensively to detect onset of fatigue. In this study, muscle activity changes in the shoulder and neck muscles while gaming in an automobile simulator, using sEMG, are analyzed. Two groups of professional and non- professional drivers participated in this study. Statistically significant (p<0.05) change in muscle activity is found in both the groups during a short duration (15 min) of gaming. Such analysis can be used to identify weak muscles in subjects, which can be used as an input for necessary rehabilitation or training programs. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.