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Level 1 Level 1
Human Human

Electromyography (EMG) of Motor Movements

How does your brain make your body move? This experiment dives into the fascinating world of motor control, showing how neurons in your motor cortex communicate with muscles to generate movement. Let’s explore the electrical signals behind every step, jump, and dance!

Brain to Muscle Communication

What Will You Learn?

  • How the motor cortex sends electrical signals to control movement.
  • How to record and analyze muscle action potentials using the SpikerBox.
  • The difference between neural and muscle action potentials.

Background

Moving allows us to explore the world. But how does your brain tell your body what to do? Neurons in your motor cortex send electrical signals that travel down your spinal cord, activating motor neurons connected to muscle fibers.

Procedure

In this experiment, we’ll record these signals—known as motor unit action potentials (MUAPs)—and see how they control muscle contraction.

Connect Electrodes

Place two patch electrodes on your bicep, spaced apart but over the same muscle.

Attach the red recording clips to the patch electrodes and the black ground clip to the back of your hand or metal jewelry.

Connect the orange electrode cable to the SpikerBox and turn it on.

Move your arm. Do you hear activity? This is your EMG!

Record Activity!

Flex your bicep and listen for the "popping" sound of your neurons firing. Use SpikeRecorder on your phone, tablet or computer to visualize the action potentials.

Results & Analysis

Observe the signals on your screen. Compare the size and shape of muscle action potentials to neural action potentials. How do they differ? Measure the spike widths and analyze the signal during muscle contraction versus relaxation.