406: Andrew Vigotsky & Dr. Nicholas Rolnick: Interpreting Surface EMG

On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, I welcome Andrew Vigotsky and Dr. Nick Rolnick back on to the show to discuss Andrew's paper, Interpreting single amplitude in sports and rehab sciences.  In this episode, we discuss: -What information can you conclude from a surface EMG study -The limitations of surface EMG research -What to look for in a surface EMG methods section -And so much more!   "I would urge practitioners not to make clinical decisions primarily based off of surface EMG or any acute type of measure especially when they want a longitudinal outcome for a given patient."   "There are no studies that validate surface EMG as a predictive outcome for strength or hypertrophy."   "Look for studies that are relevant to your patient population and your outcomes."   "I would look at all surface EMG studies with a critical eye especially as they pertain to your patient population and desired patient outcomes."   "Don't apply measures that aren't validated to the outcomes you want."   For more information on Andrew: Andrew is currently a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University, where he studies neuromuscular biomechanics. He has published papers in areas ranging from rehabilitation to surface electromyography methodology and biomechanical modeling. His dissertation works aims to understand the neuromechanical implications of muscular heterogeneities.   For more information on Nick:  Dr. Nicholas Rolnick, DPT is a licensed physical therapist, the founder of the Human Performance Mechanic and the co-founder of Blood Flow Restriction Pros. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree with academic honors from Columbia University in New York City. Through his work as a physical therapist his goal is to keep his patients in perfect balance, have the skills to recognize asymmetries and help patients enjoy the benefits of pain-free movement. He teaches across the United States as a clinical instructor for SmartTools Plus and is an adjunct faculty member at Concordia University – Chicago where he teaches Kinesiology I and II in their MS Applied Exercise Science Program. He also speaks nationally and internationally on the use of blood flow restriction therapy for various diagnoses and populations. He has been featured on The Mind Muscle Project Podcast, Highly Functional Podcast, The Muscle Medicine Podcast, The Missing Variable Podcast, the PTA Tapes Podcast and the Alinea Podcast. He currently lives and works in New York City.   Resources discussed on this show: Vigotsky, Andrew & Halperin, Israel & Lehman, Gregory & Trajano, Gabriel & Vieira, Taian. (2018). Interpreting Signal Amplitudes in Surface Electromyography Studies in Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences. Frontiers in Physiology. 8. 10.3389/fphys.2017.00985.   Andrew Vigotsky Twitter Andrew Vigotsky Research Gate Andrew Vigotsky Facebook The Human Performance Mechanic Website The Human Performance Mechanic Instagram The Human Performance Mechanic Facebook     Thanks for listening and subscribing to the podcast! Make sure to connect with me on twitter, instagram  and facebook to stay updated on all of the latest!  Show your support for the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes!   Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!    Xo Karen