UM File # 3794

Background
Electromyography (EMG) is a technique for evaluating and recording the electrical activity of muscles. EMG is often used to assist with the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve root injury, muscular dystrophy, and other muscle and nerve-related problems. One of the key elements in performing an EMG is to reach a diagnosis (or to exclude a potential diagnosis) by studying as few nerves and muscles as possible, thus minimizing discomfort to the patient. This goal can be achieved only through extensive, hands-on training that is often hard to implement in a real-life clinic. At this time, most electromyographers learn how to design and interpret studies from personal experience and print media.

Technology Description
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed EMG Whiz, a web-based EMG training simulator. This application helps trainees practice their decision-making process of EMG study in a real time, interactive environment. Trainees are allowed to develop their own hypothesis, and work through a step-by-step process of testing it, just as they would with a real patient. They can choose a random case, or select practice cases by diagnosis or chief complaint from over 130 available nerves and muscles. More than 100 conventional nerve conduction studies are included in the simulation. The system provides trainees with immediate feedback on performance, both on reaching the correct diagnosis and on exclusion of alternate diagnoses.

Applications‰ۢ Practical EMG training

Advantages‰ۢ Allows hand-on EMG training in an interactive, error-forgiving environment ‰ۢ Teaches trainees about peripheral nervous system anatomy and pathophysiology ‰ۢ Allows trainees to perform EMG faster and more accurately on real patients

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File Number: 3794 

Other Information: NOTE: If an order is placed after hours or on weekends, a delay in processing may occur. Orders placed during those hours will be processed the next business day.