Characterization of Electromyographical Signals from Biceps and Rectus Femoris Muscles to Evaluate the Performance of Squats Coupled with Countermeasure Gravitational Load Modulating Bodygear

Muscle atrophy in humans mainly occurs due to aging, lack of physical activity, and exposure to microgravity leading to decreased muscle volume and power. Several exercises coupled with various bodysuits have been used to cope with muscle atrophy. But, all state of arts failed to provide complete prevention from atrophy. Hence, a new countermeasure gravitational load modulating bodygear (CGLM bodygear) has been developed. Herein, squats exercise coupled with bodygear was used to increase the lower limbs muscle activity and evaluated by electromyography (EMG). The study was conducted by performing the squats by thirty subjects with and without bodygear. The EMG signals from the biceps and rectus femoris muscle were recorded to evaluate the electrical activity produced in both the muscles. The time domain results of EMG analysis revealed that the bodygear has enhanced biceps and rectus femoris muscle activity by 50% and 90% respectively. The frequency domain results revealed that the rate of fatigue was higher when squats was performed with bodygear as compared to without bodygear. Overall, the study has concluded that squats coupled with bodygear can be a promising countermeasure to muscle atrophy by generating higher muscle activity in lower limbs.