Placing EMG electrodes

As when placing the reflective markers, your team should agree on the methods for identifying muscle bellies and placing EMG electrodes for consistent results.

The SENIAM guidelines for sensor locations are a great resource. You can also refer to your EMG manufacturer’s documentation and relevant scientific papers and books for further guidance on how to place electrodes effectively.

A common clinical practice is to mark the muscle belly of each muscle to be recorded on the subject with a washable marker to make placing the electrodes easier. If necessary, carefully shave an area the size of an electrode around each mark, then clean the shaved area with rubbing alcohol and let it dry before placing the electrode.