Evaluation of Neurological Disorders in Isokinetic Dynamometry and Surface Electromyography Activity of Biceps and Triceps Muscles

Diagnosing neurological disorders and tracking rehabilitation progress requires objective, quantitative measures. Isokinetic exercises are commonly employed to evaluate muscle strength and activity. However, repetitive, quantitative assessment of the tests performed during these exercises can be difficult, especially for patients with neurological disorders. Usually, either dynamometric or sEMG measurements are used. This study is concerned with the evaluation of the applicability and reliability of these two measurement techniques, based on analysis of elbow flexion and extension supported by the Luna EMG rehabilitation robot, aimed at the evaluation of the activity of the biceps and triceps muscles. Dynamometric and surface electromyography measurements are compared with respect to their repeatability between sessions and days, and their ability to differentiate impaired limbs from healthy ones.