Story of electromyography equipment

It all started in 1950 with the introduction of the first commercially available electromyography (EMG) system. From 1950 to 1973 was the era of the analog EMG systems: EMG signals were recorded, and subsequent analyses were carried out manually on film or paper. From 1973 to 1982, the first modular digital EMG systems were introduced. Dedicated analysis modules were introduced, but detailed analysis was still done on paper. In 1982, the first system controlled by a microprocessor was introduced. From 1982 to 1993, many new ways of analyzing EMG signals and basic reporting features were implemented in the EMG systems. Since 1993, personal computer technology has been used in EMG systems. Standard software and hardware components are used to record, analyze, and document EMG examinations. Since 1950, many people have influenced the development of new features in commercial EMG systems. However, within the last 3 decades, Erik Stålberg has always been in the forefront and has shown ways of implementing new methods for analyzing EMG activity or nerve signals. The development of new commercial EMG systems has been dependent on the technology introduced to the market at that particular period of time. This article only refers to systems that have been sold or are now being sold worldwide. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve Supplement 11: S128–S133, 2002