How reliable surface EMG is for measuring muscle fatigue in teens
Evaluating Test-Retest Reliability of Surface Electromyography (sEMG) in Measuring Fatigue in Adolescents Through Prolonged Activity
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 27 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universiteit Antwerpen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wilrijk) |
| Trial ID | NCT07161531 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: Similar sEMG reliability work has been conducted in adults, but test-retest reliability specifically in adolescents during repeated squatting is less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Wilrijk
- 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 participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.