How reliable surface EMG is for measuring muscle fatigue in teens
Official title: Evaluating Test-Retest Reliability of Surface Electromyography (sEMG) in Measuring Fatigue in Adolescents Through Prolonged Activity
Run by Universiteit Antwerpen · NCT07161531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether surface EMG gives consistent measurements of muscle fatigue in healthy adolescents when they perform repeated squats on two occasions one week apart.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 27 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universiteit Antwerpen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wilrijk) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 8, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07161531 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adolescents who regularly participate in physical activity such as sports or dance and have no conditions affecting muscle function are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Adolescents with neuromuscular disorders or other conditions that affect muscle function are excluded and would not directly benefit from this protocol's findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional interventional protocol records surface electromyography (sEMG) while healthy adolescents perform repeated squatting to voluntary exhaustion. Each participant completes the same task in two test sessions separated by one week to determine test-retest reliability of sEMG parameters. Measurements will be compared to performance metrics (e.g., repetitions, time to exhaustion) and to participants' subjective fatigue ratings. The goal is to quantify how consistent sEMG outcomes are across sessions in a physically active adolescent population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a reliable, noninvasive way to measure muscle fatigue in adolescents that can improve monitoring in sports training and rehabilitation.
How similar studies have gone: Similar sEMG reliability work has been conducted in adults, but test-retest reliability specifically in adolescents during repeated squatting is less well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * engage in regular physical activity, such as sports or dance Exclusion Criteria: * neuromuscular disorders * conditions that affect muscle function
Where it's running
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Universiteit Antwerpen, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Research group MOVANT
Wilrijk, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ann Hallemans, Associate Professor, PhD
- Email: ann.hallemans@uantwerpen.be
- Phone: +3232652912
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.