Surface EMG Testing

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)/Pulse Wave Profiler (PWP)

This is a simple and accurate test using analysis of the rates and rhythms of the resting heart beat pattern.  The evaluation of this information determines the balance between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems.

The unit used to measure HRV is the Pulse Wave Profiler (PWP).  This equipment allows for quick assessment of the effect that long term stress has on a persons’ well-being.  The PWP scan can be used on subsequent visits to monitor improvements over time while under chiropractic care.

The PWP technology combines Heart Rate Variability while monitoring anxiety levels.  It does this with a Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) measurement to ensure that collection of data is accurate and reproducible.  The test takes five minutes in a seated relaxed environment capturing the full spectrum of the heart rate and rhythms.

How does HRV measure the effects of chronic stress?  It does this by determining the balance between the two parts of the Autonomic Nervous System.  The Parasympathetic-which are the Rest & Restore Functions, and the Sympathetic-which are the Fight & Flight Functions.  The more variable the HRV is the more adaptable the nervous system is to environmental stimuli.  Vice versa, a decrease in variability is linked to decrease in adaptability and makes a person more prone to increased health risk.

Surface Electromyography (sEMG)

This is a simple, painless, test using two probes placed on the skin overlying a muscle to detect the electrical activity of the muscle.  In addition to HRV, sEMG is used to evaluate balance of the muscular component in the communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body.  When the Motor Nerves are under stress, out of balance or irritated, the muscles corresponding to those nerves may become out of balance.

The sEMG test determines where there is muscle tension which can then be correlated to other objective findings, subjective complaints and any mechanism of injury in order to create and overall picture of a persons’ well-being.  A recent study at the NZCA School of Chiropractic in New Zeland determined, “Under the conditions of this study, it is concluded that sEMG is an objective measure of change which can be used as an assessment of patient progress”

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For more information on our Insight Subluxation Station equipment click here.