The M. Brachioradialis (Brachioradialis) is a muscle of the forearm region. It is responsible for elbow flexion, pronation/supination to neutral position. This muscle is not covered by the official SENIAM catalogue — placement is based on established clinical literature. This page documents the exact electrode position, anatomical attachments and a standardized test movement based on Hermens et al. (2000).
Function
Elbow flexion, pronation/supination to neutral position
Merlo A, Bo MC, Campanini I. Electrode Size and Placement for Surface EMG Bipolar Detection from the Brachioradialis Muscle: A Scoping Review. Sensors (Basel). 2021;21(21):7322.
Methodological background of the source
Merlo et al. (2021) reviewed the published electrode sizes and placements for the brachioradialis in a scoping review. The position shown here follows the recommendation of that review, which takes particular account of the distance to the innervation zone and the avoidance of crosstalk from the wrist extensors.
Recording notes per Criswell 2011, site „Brachioradialis“, p. 321
Placement type
Quasi-specific site Neighbouring muscles contribute noticeably to the signal — allow for crosstalk.
Signal check
Flex the forearm.
Crosstalk from
extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis — a major issue at this site per Criswell
Print-ready for the lab or clinic: 75 pages of protocols (SENIAM + peer-reviewed), plus the SENIAM table, a placement checklist and a sensor comparison sheet as A4 sheets.
Anatomy
OriginLateral margin of the humerus (distal), lateral intermuscular septumInsertionStyloid process of the radius
Test Movement
Elbow flexion in neutral position (thumb up) against resistance
This muscle has no SENIAM-standardized electrode position. Placement should be based on anatomical knowledge.
Illustration shows the left side; the set-up is mirrored for the right side.
MVC reference test (Konrad 2005)
Position
Seated or kneeling in front of a bench, elbow at about 90°, forearm supinated.
Fixation
Very stable fixation of elbow and trunk; the upper arm stays vertical at the side.
Resistance
Rigid resistance under the wrist (strap to the floor, bar or manual), elbow flexion against it.
Control exercise
Use the latissimus dorsi test as a control exercise.
Without elbow and trunk fixation the effort leaks into the shoulder and the biceps never reaches its maximum.
Konrad P. The ABC of EMG. Noraxon; 2005, p. 31. Konrad describes this test at group level; it applies to all muscles of the group. · Why and how to normalise to MVC
Measure M. Brachioradialis activity live
The electrode is placed — what next? easyEMG visualises muscle activity in real time, with SENIAM-compliant placement guidance, up to 4 channels at once and biofeedback training right afterwards.
In therapy, this muscle is usually about tone regulation and consciously relaxing below a threshold.
Where do I place the EMG electrode on the M. Brachioradialis?
Proximal on muscle belly, lateral aspect of the forearm. Orientation: Parallel to the radius. Not covered by SENIAM — placement per Merlo et al. 2021.
Which test movement activates the M. Brachioradialis?
Elbow flexion in neutral position (thumb up) against resistance. It serves as a signal check before recording: with correct electrode placement the EMG amplitude rises clearly during this movement.
Is the M. Brachioradialis a SENIAM-recommended muscle?
No. The M. Brachioradialis is not included in the official SENIAM catalogue. The electrode position documented here follows the established protocol per Merlo et al. 2021.
Preview — open the 3D viewer to rotate the model and check neighbouring muscles.
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