A portable activity monitor for musculoskeletal pain disorders

A portable activity monitor (PAM) designed for simultaneously recording and quantifying surface electromyograph (EMG) signals and body movements in the natural environment is discussed. The data are transferred to a personal computer for graphic display, statistical analysis, and storage. A table of PAM system specifications is given. The system is currently being used to determine the relationships between onset and intensity of low back pain, patterns of paraspinal muscle contraction, and the intensity and duration of normal everyday activities.<
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