Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: Terminology matrix
Introduction
Consensus on the definition and use of common terms in electromyography (EMG) research facilitates the clear communication of results from EMG studies across a diverse range of disciplines (physiology, biomechanics, engineering, clinical neuroscience and medical sciences). This paper presents an overview of terminology in the EMG literature and provides definitions for key terms, encompassing both physiological and technical topics. It is one of a series of articles within the Consensus for Experimental Design in Electromyography (CEDE) project, which aims to develop consensus-based matrices to guide decision-making in EMG research (Hodges, 2020). The terminology matrix is designed to be accessible to those with either a clinical or an engineering/technical background. It also serves as a reference to facilitate reviews of the EMG literature and can direct readers to other matrices within the CEDE project which address specific EMG topics (Besomi et al., 2020, Besomi et al., 2019).
Section snippets
Methods
The preparation of the terminology matrix followed a three-step process: (1) development of the list of terms and corresponding definitions to be covered in the matrix, (2) refinement of the definitions by the steering committee and (3) implementation of feedback from the CEDE panel of experts using a Delphi process to reach consensus on each definition. Further details on the CEDE project, including the method for expert group selection, and the process for the development of the CEDE
Results
All 18 experts who agreed to participate in the Delphi process replied to the first-round questionnaire (100% response rate). The first version of the terminology matrix was composed of 74 terms in total (31 physiological terms and 43 technical terms). After round one of questionnaires, 14/31 of the physiological terms and 3/43 of the technical terms did not reach consensus (i.e., the criteria that > 70% of scores were between 7 and 9 and < 15% of scores were between 1 and 3, with an IQR < 2,
Discussion
The present study was undertaken to establish consensus on the definitions of common terms used in EMG literature, covering both physiological and technical terms. Previous matrices in the CEDE project have highlighted the need for consensus in the definition and scope of common EMG terminologies (Besomi et al., 2020, Besomi et al., 2019). The definitions and comments on each term have been developed by integrating input from an expert panel with a diverse range of expertise using a Delphi
Conclusion
The aim of the terminology matrix is to provide expert consensus from the CEDE project team on the definition and correct usage of common EMG terms. This matrix does not replace formal training or education in EMG practice. Rather, it is intended for use as a reference to aid in the consistent use of terminology when reporting results from EMG studies and clinical applications
Funding
This research was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia (Program Grant: APP1091302). MML is supported by the European Research Council Grant (ERC-2014-CoG-646923_DBSModel). LM is supported by the European Research Council Grant (ERC-2014-CoG-646923_DBSModel) and the Irish Research Council (EPSPD/2020/108). PWH is supported by an NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellowship (APP1102905). MB is supported by the University of Queensland Research Training
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Acknowledgements
The CEDE group wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Prof. Dario Liebermann, the special editor for this series, for his critical assessment of the first version of this paper which substantially helped in refining it.
References (9)
- et al.
Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: Electrode selection matrix
J. Electromyogr. Kinesiol.
(2019) - et al.
Measurement of axonal excitability: consensus guidelines
Clin. Neurophysiol.
(2020) Consensus measurement in Delphi studies: review and implications for future quality assurance
Technol. Forecast. Soc. Chang.
(2012)- et al.
Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: Amplitude normalization matrix
J. Electromyogr. Kinesiol.
(2020)