Surface Electromyographic (sEMG) and Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) Analysis of Gastrocsoleus muscle activity in Football Players With Achilles Tendon Disorde

This study explores the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) and inertial measurement units (IMU) to analyze gastrocsoleus muscle activity in football players with and without Achilles tendon disorder. Achilles tendon injuries are common in football due to sprinting, jumping, and rapid directional changes, and early diagnosis is crucial. The research aims to compare muscle activation patterns during tasks such as standing, jumping, and directional changes, evaluating sEMG and IMU as diagnostic tools. It is designed as an observational study involving 30 university players, divided equally into injured and healthy groups, with electrode placement on the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus muscles following SENIAM guidelines. Outcome measures include RMS peak amplitude, onset timing, and muscle acceleration. A pilot study was conducted to estimate effect size and determine sample size. The study intends to provide evidence on how sEMG and IMU can differentiate neuromuscular efficiency between healthy and injured players, potentially improving diagnosis, prognosis, and rehabilitation strategies for Achilles tendon disorders.