EMG-EMG coherence during voluntary control of human standing tasks: a systematic scoping review

Background: Intra- or inter-muscular (EMG-EMG) coherence is a simple and non-invasivemethod for estimating central nervous systemcontrol during human standing tasks. Although this research area has developed, no systematic literature review has been conducted. Objectives: We aimed to map the current literature on EMG-EMG coherence during various standing tasks to identify the research gaps and summarize previous studies comparing EMG-EMG coherence between healthy young and elderly adults. Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) were searched for articles published from inception to December 2021. We incorporated studies that analyzed EMG-EMG coherence of the postural muscles in various standing tasks. Results: Finally, 25 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and involved 509 participants. Most participants were healthy young adults, while only one study included participants with medical conditions. There was some evidence that EMG-EMG coherence could identify di erences in standing control between healthy young and elderly adults, although the methodology was highly heterogeneous. Conclusion: The present review indicates that EMG-EMG coherence may help elucidate changes in standing control with age. In future studies, this method should be used in participants with central nervous systemdisorders to understand better the characteristics of standing balance disabilities.

Automated summary

This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review on EMG-EMG coherence during standing tasks and summarize previous studies comparing EMG-EMG coherence between healthy young and elderly adults. The results showed that EMG-EMG coherence could identify differences in standing control between healthy young and elderly adults, although the methodology was highly heterogeneous. The conclusion is that EMG-EMG coherence may help elucidate changes in standing control with age and should be used in participants with central nervous system disorders in future studies to better understand the characteristics of standing balance disabilities.