EMG-Based Mobile Assessment System for Neck and Shoulder Fatigue

The neck and shoulders are the key channels for blood supply to the head. Bad blood circulation cannot only cause dizziness and headache but can also affect the vitality of brain cells and cognitive function. The neck muscles also provide all support for the head, and incorrect posture can put stress on the lower cervical vertebrae, accelerating joint wear and poor blood circulation, leading to hypoxia of neck muscle and tissue, and resulting in muscle fatigue and stiffness. Keeping the neck and shoulders rigid over an extended period, can produce neck and shoulder pain, dizziness and headache, and possibly even memory loss and short-term cognitive impairment, which can thus negatively impact learning ability and work efficiency. In this article, electromyography EMG characteristics were extracted through EMG analysis. Test subjects wore sensors while engaged in work or studying. The sensors retrieved EMG data which was then uploaded to a cloud-based platform for computation. A smartphone-based app then allowed users to monitor their own neck and shoulder fatigue in real time. Moreover, based on users' personal basic information, the system recommends personalized exercises to promote neck and shoulder relief, thus promoting comfort and reducing stress.