Nonlinear dynamical behavior of surface electromyographical signals of biceps muscle under two simulated static work postures

The primary objective of this study was to explore nonlinear characteristics, if any, of the surface myoelectrical (EMG) activity of the biceps muscle during simulated maximum voluntary contraction at a reference arm posture (MVCRP), and at an elevated static arm work posture (EAWP) observed on the manufacturing assembly line. The results showed that positive Lyapunov exponents existed for each of the trials in both work postures. The statistical test of significance showed that surface EMG of the biceps brachii was more chaotic under the MVCRP condition as compared to the EWAP condition. Based on the Kaplan-Yorke dimension, it was observed that the recorded two types of time series EMG data were similar in complexity. The study also found a significant difference in fractal dimensions between the two postures. It was concluded that the nonlinear dynamical EMG properties expressed in terms of the Lyapunov exponents, Kaplan-Yorke dimension, and fractal dimensions could be used as sensitive indices for evaluation of the level of muscular efforts under static work conditions.